In this study, we aimed to construct a strength evaluation model for concrete, which is one of the particle-reinforced composites. A finite element model was created to reproduce the aggregate shape and arrangement of the actual mortar specimen and to reflect the variation of porosity in cement paste, and strength simulations were conducted using the the cohesive zone model. The results were compared and discussed. In the modelling process, aggregates were extracted from CT images taken by a powerful synchrotron radiation source. Three-dimensional image processing was performed on the extracted aggregates using Simpleware, and the matrix was added around the aggregates. The 3D geometry was then converted into an FE model by generating a mesh. Compression-tension simulations showed that the damage inside the concrete was strongly influenced by the aggregate content and its spatial arrangement. In particular, models with a higher number of aggregates and narrower spacing between them tended to exhibit more efficient crack propagation and reached fracture under lower loads
KAMEI et al. (Wed,) studied this question.