Tensile cracking behaviour of strain-hardening cement-based composites using a micromechanical lattice model

The crack paths in strain-hardening cement-based composites under tensile loading are simulated using a two-dimensional lattice model. A regular triangular lattice model (formed by truss elements) accounting for the actual multiphase meso-scale structure of the material is developed. The trusses are assumed to have a linear elastic behavior in compression, whereas in tension a linear elastic behavior up to a first cracking stress is followed by an inelastic post-cracking curve. Some numerical results related to tensile specimens are presented in order to investigate the influence of microstructure characteristics of the material on its ductility.