Fracture Behaviour of Real Coarse Aggregate Distributed Concrete under Uniaxial Compressive Load Based on Cohesive Zone Model

Two-dimensional meso-scale finite element models with real aggregates are developed using images obtained by digital image processing to simulate crack propagation processes in concrete under uniaxial compression loading. The finite element model is regarded as a three-phase composite material composed of aggregate, mortar matrix and interface transition zone (ITZ). Cohesive elements with traction–separation laws are used to simulate complex nonlinear fracture. During the experiment, digital image correlation (DIC) was used to obtain the deformation and cracks of the specimens at different loading stages. The concept of strain ratio is proposed to describe the effectiveness of simulation. Results show that the numerical strain ratio curve and stress–strain curves are both in good agreement with experimental data. The consistency between the cracks obtained by simulation and those obtained by DIC shows the good performance of cohesive elements as well as the effectiveness of simulation. In summary, the model is able to provide accurate predictions of the whole fracture process in concrete under uniaxial compression loading.