Simulation-based optimization of steelfiber concrete

Photo: Fraunhofer Institut für Bauphysik

Schematic sketch of
the experimental setup for the filling process
(section)

Photo: Fraunhofer Institut für Bauphysik

Experimental setup for the filling process in the laboratory (plan view)

Photo: Fraunhofer Institut für Bauphysik

Simulation of the steelfibers arranged in the direction of flow on the surface of the materials

Photo: Fraunhofer Institut für Bauphysik

Simulated fiber orientation in an x-axial direction

Photo: Fraunhofer Institut für Bauphysik

CT image of a section level of a hardened SCC with 1.5 vol.-% steelfibers and cylindrically shaped obstacle. The direction of flow in this image is from right to left

Photo: Fraunhofer Institut für Bauphysik

Orientation of the steelfibers in hydrogel around the obstacle. Direction of flow is from right to left

Photo: Fraunhofer Institut für Bauphysik

7 (Simulation)
+ 8 (CT image)

Fiber orientation on a level of the steelfiber-reinforced concrete body. Simulation (image on the left) and CT image with the steelfibers highlighted in color (image on the right)

Photo: Fraunhofer Institut für Bauphysik

A new computer-based simulation provides information on the orientation of steelfibers based on the flow processes that occur while the self-compacting concrete (SCC) is cast into the form. This provides a basis for presenting the orientation of steelfibers in concrete components.

In a collaboration project between the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM), a computer-based simulation of the orientation of steelfibers was developed based on the flow processes that occur during casting the concrete into a form. Here, the focus was on self-compacting concrete (SCC) with straight steelfibers and a selected form geometry.

The software that was developed for this purpose displays the flow conditions around embedded parts or blockouts realistically and reliably. This provided the basis for presenting the...