Mesoscale modeling of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete under split tension using discrete element method

This study is proposed to determine the effectiveness of the discrete element method (DEM) in predicting the tensile properties of polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete (PFRC). To calibrate and validate the proposed PFRC simulation model, splitting tensile tests were performed on limestone (granite)-polypropylene fiber reinforced mortar (PFRM) hybrid samples to investigate the effects of polypropylene fiber (PF) contents and aggregate types on the tensile properties of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The test improved the particle contact mode in the PFRC discrete element model. Based on DEM software (PFC3D), a multi-phase microscopic discrete element model was created, and the tensile properties of PFRC were predicted by simulating a splitting tensile test. The simulation results revealed that the proposed model could be more efficient in predicting the splitting tensile responses of PFRC. The improved flat joint-softening contact model is more accurate and stable for the bridging effect simulation of PF after concrete cracking.