Fracture Energy of Foamed Concrete: Numerical Modelling Using the Combined Finite-Discrete Element Method

Abstract

Foamed concrete is known as lightweight concrete that proven in the low range of densities with good strength. Numerous studies were conducted to investigate its performance in term of mechanical properties. However, these investigations are still not adequate in the requirement of failure and damage mechanisms. This is due to the lack of knowledge on fracture energy that governs the crack resistance of foamed concrete. Therefore, this paper presents the numerical prediction of fracture energy of foamed concrete using the combined finite-discrete element method. The notched beam was modelled in the two-dimensional with unstructured mesh elements and a simple material model of Rotating Crack. The results of numerical prediction signify that various notch depths have an apparent impact toward fracture energy of foamed concrete.