Anisotropic Damage Model for Concrete Affected by Alkali-Aggregate Reaction

An anisotropic two-phase coupled chemo-thermo-damage model is proposed, for the simulation of the behavior of concrete affected by the alkali-aggregate reaction, which may create significant damage in existing concrete structures. The chemical reaction produces a gel expanding in the concrete pores, leading to macroscopic strength and stiffness deterioration in the concrete skeleton. The model is capable to account for the anisotropic damage development and consequent directional degradation of material properties. The model is validated against experimental tests taken from the literature.