Modeling the Orimet multiphysical flow of fresh self-compacting concrete considering proportionate heterogeneity of aggregates

Abstract

Filling ability is one of the prominent rheological properties of the self-compacting concrete (SCC), which has been studied in this research work deploying the functional behavior of the concrete through the Orimet apparatus using the coupled ANSYS-SPH interface. Seven (7) model cases: Case 1: 0% coarse particles and 100% fine particles, Case 2: 60% coarse particles and 40% fine particles, Case 3: 55% coarse particles and 45% fine particles, Case 4: 50% coarse particles and 50% fine particles, Case 5: 45% coarse particles and 55% fine particles, Case 6: 40% coarse particles and 60% fine particles and Case 7: 100% coarse particles and 0% fine particles were studied and optimized. The maximum size of the coarse aggregates considered is 20 mm and that of the fine aggregates is below 4 mm. The Bingham model properties for the multiphysics (SPH)-ANSYS models’ simulation are; Viscosity = 20 ≤ μ ≤ 100 and the Yield stress = 50 $\le {\tau }_0\le 200,$ standard flow time, t (s) ranges; 0 ≤ t ≤ 6, and the Orimet volume is 10 l. The minimum boundary flow time, which represents the time (0 ≤ t ≤ 6) it takes for the SCC to completely flow through a specified distance, typically measured in seconds was modeled for in the seven (7) model cases. The first case; 0%C mixed with 100%F flowed out completely in 6 s, second case; 40%C mixed with 60%F completely flowed out in 5 s, third case; 45%C mixed with 55%F completely flowed out in 9 s, fourth case; 50%C mixed with 50%F completely flowed out in 12 s, fifth case; 55%C mixed with 45%F completely flowed out in 11 s, sixth case; 60%C mixed with 40%F completely flowed out in 12 s, and lastly, the 7th case; 100%C mixed with 0%F completely flowed out in 20 s. The minimum flow time was considered alongside other relevant parameters and tests, such as slump flow, passing ability, segregation resistance, and rheological properties (stresses), to comprehensively assess the filling ability of SCC in this model. By considering these factors and the optimized mix (40%C + 60%F:5 s), engineers and researchers can optimize the SCC mix design to achieve the desired flowability and filling performance for their specific construction applications. The multiphase optimized mix (40%C + 60%F:5 s) was further simulated using the coupled interface of the ANSYS-SPH platform operating with the CFX command at air temperature of 25 °C, which incorporated the studied density of 2400 kg/m³, plastic viscosity boundary, yield stress, and aggregate sampling. The model simulation operated on total number of nodes = 143,083, total number of elements = 753,292, total number of tetrahedrons = 753,292, and total number of faces = 68,488, and produced Dynamic Viscosity = 1.831E-05 kg m⁻¹ s⁻¹, Thermal Conductivity = 2.61E-02 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, Absorption Coefficient = 0.01 m⁻¹, Thermal Conductivity = 2.61E-02 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, Refractive Index = 1.0 m m⁻¹, Molar Mass = 1 kg kmol⁻¹, Specific Heat Capacity = 8.80E + 02 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹, Normal Speed = 165 mm s⁻¹, Pressure Profile Blend = 0.05, and Maximum Partition Smoothing Sweeps = 100. Also, the Global Length = 1.9144E-01, Minimum Extent = 1.1800E-01, Maximum Extent = 6.5976E-01, Density = 1.1850E + 00, Velocity = 1.6500E-01, Advection Time = 1.1602E + 00, and Reynolds Number = 2.0443E + 03. The simulation also produced wall forces and moments on the wall of the Orimet for the optimized mix containing 40%C + 60%F:5 s flow mix as follows; pressure force on wall; −3.0996E-08, −2.0863E-07, and −3.5048E-04 for x-component, y-component, and z-component, respectively, viscous force on wall; −5.5332E-10, −9.2298E-10, and −2.7250E-05 for the x-, y-, and z-components, respectively, pressure moment on wall; −5.0051E-05, 3.1362E-06, and 2.2774E-09 for the x-, y-, and z-components, respectively and viscous moment on wall; −3.8925E-06, 2.4396E-07, and −7.2693E-11 for the x-, y-, and z-components, respectively. Also, the maximum residuals were located at node 110413 for the pressure, node 76766 for the K-TurbKE, and node 110724 for the E-Diss.K. Ideally, the mix, 40%C + 60%F:5 s has been proposed as the mix with the most efficient flow to achieve the filling ability for sustainable structural concrete construction.

Keywords:

• Self-compacting concrete (SCC)
• multiphysical flow (MF)
• Orimet flow time
• aggregate homogeneity
• SPH
• ANSYS
• Non-Newtonian viscous fluid

Reviewing Editor:

• Sanjay Kumar Shukla
• Edith Cowan University
• Australia

Subjects:

• Fluid Mechanics
• Materials Science
• Civil, Environmental and Geotechnical Engineering

Author contributions

KCO conceptualized, KCO and D-PNK wrote the main manuscript text and both authors reviewed the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data supporting this research work is available on reasonable request from the corresponding author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kennedy C. Onyelowe

Kennedy C. Onyelowe is an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering specializing in AI, sustainable construction materials, concrete and geotechnics at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, and Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda and a research fellow for a doctoral diploma at the University of the Peloponnese, Patras, Greece.

Denise-Penelope N. Kontoni

Denise-Penelope N. Kontoni is an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering specializing in computational structural dynamics, AI, structures and geotechnics at the University of the Peloponnese, Patras, Greece.