Optimization of a Computer Simulation Model for Packing of Concrete Aggregates

The optimization of aggregate blends for sustainable low cement concrete

“…The sequential particle packing simulation algorithm developed by Sobolev and Amirjanov [17,30,31] used for this research assumes that the particles are spherical (or circular in a 2D educational model) [40]. Spherical particles with radii in the range of r min < r rmax are sequentially placed into the cube with the centers glued to the node of a very fine lattice grid [31].…”

“…Other mixtures such as S8 are also close to 0.45 power curve, but have a slightly higher deviation compared to S13 with 50% fine aggregates. Most of the real world aggregate combinations would fall in between 0.7 and 0.45 power distributions as these boundary mixtures [17,30]. The use of simulation algorithm provides suitable PSD for the desired power curve and can be correlated to the particular type of concrete.…”

“…Early reports on concrete technology have already emphasized the important effects of aggregates packing and grading related to performance [5,[9][10][11]. Effect of aggregate proportions on properties of concrete, such as strength and modulus of elasticity was investigated and widely discussed in the literature [2][3][4]7,8,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. The advent of ready mixed concrete and the use of large capacity pumps for transporting concrete demanded the use of improved aggregate blends for mixtures with high workability and imposed new limitations on maximum size of aggregates (D max ).…”

“…Other researchers also discussed the relevance and importance of these factors [4][5][6][7][8][9]. The theory of aggregate particle packing has been discussed for more than a century [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31] and includes discrete particle packing theories, continuous theories, and discrete element models (DEM). Discrete models consider the interaction effects between the particles to calculate the maximum packing density for binary, ternary or multi-component mixtures [22][23][24][25].…”

Evaluation of modified-graphite nanomaterials in concrete nanocomposite based on packing density principles

“…Such models would reduce the time devoted to trial-andadjustment experimental work for tailoring mix designs with available combinations of materials. The available methods for assessment of packing density include: (i) Theory of Particle Mixtures (TPM); (ii) Compaction Packing Model; (iii) Europack software for determining the proportions of particulate matter (aggregates and cementitious materials); and (iv) the SobolevAmirjanov surface packing algorithm [28].…”