Towards Simulation of Fresh Granular-Cement Paste Material Behavior

Abstract

The mechanical performance and durability of hardened granular- cement paste material such as mortar and concrete are affected by its earlier stage behavior which is defined in terms of consistency and/or workability. Therefore understanding the behavior of the mixture during this early period is a crucial requirement for the technical and economical success of professional production sites. This paper presents a numerical approach based on Discrete Element Method (DEM) to simulate the macroscopic behavior of a fresh granular-cement paste mixture in which the pasty behavior is dominant. The research approach is based on a conceptual idea where the particle-paste interaction system is explicitly modelled by means of a two phase particle interaction system. The effect of the characteristics of paste on the macroscopic fresh behavior of a mixture has been studied and compared by the mini slump cone test regarding the excess paste theory. Modelling and experimental laboratory test results show good agreement.