As part of the first CEOS.fr international benchmarking in December 2009, the existing models and their performance were tested and compared. Two further workshops were held: ConCrack2 in June 2011 on crack control and ConCrack3 in March 2012 on THM. These forums were dedicated to the exchange of researchers’ know-how’ and available modelling Tools.
In parallel, the MEFISTO research project was launched in 2008 by the French National Agency for Research (ANR). As a result of CEOS.fr collaboration with the MEFISTO project, it was possible to develop models, which consider the following topics and approaches:
- Modelling of effects under monotonic loading in connection with the global performance of the material (strain-strain model) and the local damage process (trajectory and width of cracks);
- Modelling of THM coupled effects on early age concrete and assessment of induced stresses and local damage;
- MEFISTO also provided support to CEOS.fr for the design and construction of full and 1/3 scale test bodies.
Numerical modelling played a key role in the interpretation of test result data obtained from the cracking of massive elements at an early age, and of 1/3 scale shear walls. Comparison of model numerical results, with the experimental data obtained from instrumentation, has provided an improve understanding of the physical phenomena due to Scale effects in massive structures.
As a consequence, it was possible to use modelling and other simulation tools to extend the range of the experimental programme results through numerical “virtual” modelling of the physical processes.
