Challenges and constraints of multiscale modelling of cement-based systems

Title: Challenges and constraints of multiscale modelling of cement-based systems
Author(s): K. van Breugel
Paper category : conference
Book title: The 50-year Teaching and Research Anniversary of Prof. Sun Wei on Advances in Civil Engineering Materials
Editor(s): C. Miao, G. Ye and H. Chen
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-098-1
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-099-8
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2010
Pages: 3 - 12
Total Pages: 10
Nb references: 28
Language: English

Abstract: In the last two decades the increasing power of computation hardware has stimulated computational materials science, and numerical modeling in particular, enormously. In this contribution the implicit multiscale structure and multidisciplinarity of traditional engineering activities and fundamental research on cement-based building materials will be discussed. At first it is emphasized that on the long term basic research pays! Then it will be shown that descending to the nano-scale will force structural engineers and concrete technologists to enter disciplines beyond their own field. For individual researchers the cooperation with disciplines outside their own field may require a kind of paradigm shift. How this can be understood with respect to concrete science and technology and what this means in view of innovation, will be discussed in this contribution. The status and potential of currently used microstructural and multiscale models in cement and concrete research is discussed, as well as their potential for extension and use in future research. The constraints of multiscale and multidisciplinary modelling in engineering and basic research will be addressed as well.

Online publication: 2010-04-22
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00