Numerical modeling of compression behavior of foam concrete using representative volume element

Foam concrete is an economical structural material in cast-in place and precast construction techniques. The microstructural of foam concrete is very complex due to random distribution of air voids. Previous experiments have shown significant effect of air void content and distribution on the compression behavior of foam concrete. While sufficient experimental characterization have conducted on foam concrete, limited theoretical investigations have been carried out to model the complex microstructure of foam concrete. In this paper, numerical modeling approach is proposed to simulate the behavior of foam concrete using Representative Volume Element (RVE) technique. A Finite element (FE) model was first developed and validated using available data in literature. The FE model was then extended to study the effect of several parameters on the behavior of foam concrete. Simulations results show significant effect of air void distribution and compressive strength of mortar on the compression behavior of foam concrete. In general, the simulations show that RVE technique can be used as a powerful tool for modeling the compression behavior of foam concrete.