Coupled thermo-hygro-mechanical damage model for concrete subjected to high temperatures

Abstract

Based on the theory of mixtures, a coupled thermo-hygro-mechanical (THM) damage model for concrete subjected to high temperatures is presented in this paper. Concrete is considered as a mixture composed of solid skeletons, liquid water, water vapor, dry air, and dissolved air. The macroscopic balance equations of the model consist of the mass conservation equations of each component and the momentum and energy conservation equations of the whole medium mixture. The state equations and the constitutive model used in the model are given. Four final governing equations are given in terms of four primary variables, i.e., the displacement components of soil skeletons, the gas pressure, the capillary pressure, and the temperature. The processes involved in the coupled model include evaporation, dehydration, heat and mass transfer, etc. Through the process of deformation failure and the energy properties, the mechanics damage evolution equations are established based on the principle of conversation of energy and the Lemaitre equivalent strain assumption. Then, the influence of thermal damage on the mechanical property is considered.