Meso-macro modelling of crack-induced diffusivity in heterogeneous materials

Abstract

Abstract. This paper presents a meso-macro numerical approach for the determination of macroscopic diffusivity tensors in heterogeneous materials such as concrete. These macroscopic tensors account for important features of heterogeneous materials: (1) cracking process (evolution from diffuse cracks in the bulk to localized macro-crack), (2) tortuosity and connectivity of the crack, (3) induced-anisotropy and (4) presence of aggregates. We present numerical examples in the context of concrete-like materials. We show how the crack pattern and the presence of aggregates induce the anisotropy of the macroscopic diffusivity tensor.