A Mesoscale Comparative Analysis of the Elastic Modulus in Rock-Filled Concrete for Structural Applications

Rock-filled concrete (RFC) is an advanced construction material that integrates high-performance self-compacting concrete (HSCC) with large rocks exceeding 300 mm, providing advantages such as reduced hydration heat and increased construction processes. The elastic modulus of RFC is a critical param...

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Main Authors: Muhammad Ibrar Ihteshaam, Feng Jin, Xiaorong Xu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Buildings
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/10/3171
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author Muhammad Ibrar Ihteshaam
Feng Jin
Xiaorong Xu
author_facet Muhammad Ibrar Ihteshaam
Feng Jin
Xiaorong Xu
author_sort Muhammad Ibrar Ihteshaam
collection DOAJ
description Rock-filled concrete (RFC) is an advanced construction material that integrates high-performance self-compacting concrete (HSCC) with large rocks exceeding 300 mm, providing advantages such as reduced hydration heat and increased construction processes. The elastic modulus of RFC is a critical parameter that directly influences its structural performance, making it vital for modern construction applications that require strength and stiffness. However, there is a scientific gap in understanding the effects of rock size, shape, arrangement, and volumetric ratio on this parameter. This study investigates these factors using mesoscale finite element models (FEMs) with spherical and polyhedral rocks. The results reveal that polyhedral rocks increase the elastic modulus compared to spherical rocks, enhancing RFC’s load-bearing capacity. Additionally, a 5% increase in the elastic modulus was observed when the rockfill ratio was increased from 50% to 60%, demonstrating a direct correlation between rock volume and mechanical performance. Furthermore, the elastic modulus rises significantly in the early stages of placement, followed by a gradual increase over time. Optimal rock sizes and a balanced mix of rock shapes allow for improved concrete flow and mechanical properties, making RFC a highly efficient material for construction. These findings offer valuable insights for designers and engineers looking to optimize RFC for structural applications.
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spelling doaj-art-d04c998bccfe415f802a94e85c17a8602025-08-20T02:11:02ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092024-10-011410317110.3390/buildings14103171A Mesoscale Comparative Analysis of the Elastic Modulus in Rock-Filled Concrete for Structural ApplicationsMuhammad Ibrar Ihteshaam0Feng Jin1Xiaorong Xu2Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, ChinaDepartment of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, ChinaSchool of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, ChinaRock-filled concrete (RFC) is an advanced construction material that integrates high-performance self-compacting concrete (HSCC) with large rocks exceeding 300 mm, providing advantages such as reduced hydration heat and increased construction processes. The elastic modulus of RFC is a critical parameter that directly influences its structural performance, making it vital for modern construction applications that require strength and stiffness. However, there is a scientific gap in understanding the effects of rock size, shape, arrangement, and volumetric ratio on this parameter. This study investigates these factors using mesoscale finite element models (FEMs) with spherical and polyhedral rocks. The results reveal that polyhedral rocks increase the elastic modulus compared to spherical rocks, enhancing RFC’s load-bearing capacity. Additionally, a 5% increase in the elastic modulus was observed when the rockfill ratio was increased from 50% to 60%, demonstrating a direct correlation between rock volume and mechanical performance. Furthermore, the elastic modulus rises significantly in the early stages of placement, followed by a gradual increase over time. Optimal rock sizes and a balanced mix of rock shapes allow for improved concrete flow and mechanical properties, making RFC a highly efficient material for construction. These findings offer valuable insights for designers and engineers looking to optimize RFC for structural applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/10/3171elastic modulusrock-filled concretevolumetric ratiomesoscalerock shapeinterfacial transition zone
spellingShingle Muhammad Ibrar Ihteshaam
Feng Jin
Xiaorong Xu
A Mesoscale Comparative Analysis of the Elastic Modulus in Rock-Filled Concrete for Structural Applications
Buildings
elastic modulus
rock-filled concrete
volumetric ratio
mesoscale
rock shape
interfacial transition zone
title A Mesoscale Comparative Analysis of the Elastic Modulus in Rock-Filled Concrete for Structural Applications
title_full A Mesoscale Comparative Analysis of the Elastic Modulus in Rock-Filled Concrete for Structural Applications
title_fullStr A Mesoscale Comparative Analysis of the Elastic Modulus in Rock-Filled Concrete for Structural Applications
title_full_unstemmed A Mesoscale Comparative Analysis of the Elastic Modulus in Rock-Filled Concrete for Structural Applications
title_short A Mesoscale Comparative Analysis of the Elastic Modulus in Rock-Filled Concrete for Structural Applications
title_sort mesoscale comparative analysis of the elastic modulus in rock filled concrete for structural applications
topic elastic modulus
rock-filled concrete
volumetric ratio
mesoscale
rock shape
interfacial transition zone
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/10/3171
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