Comparison Between Biphasic and Triphasic Model for Predicting the Elastic Modulus of Concrete

Abstract

The concrete is a composite material which, on the scale of the microstructure, can be considered as consisting of three phases: the matrix, the inclusions and the interface transition zone. The latter has features that reduce the properties of concrete and therefore limits its performance. Thus, with such complex structures, this zone is the weakest zone of the composite. The evaluation of the effective behavior of composite using predictive models requires a consideration of this zone. In this context an approach based on the model of double inclusion and on the Mori Tanaka theory to predict the elastic modulus of concrete are used. This approach will be compared with some analytical biphasic model such as Reuss model, Voigt model, the Voigt and Reus combined models and Hashin and Shtrikman (HδS) models. Many experimental results are considered in the confrontation. So the model developed predicts very satisfactorily the elastic modulus of the concrete unlike other models in which a discrepancy in the results is demonstrated in the majority of cases.