Dehwah, O.
, Garboczi, E.
, Martys, N.
and Watson, S.
(2026),
Quasistatic Crack Formation in Multiphase Materials Driven by Internal Phases Expansion Mechanisms: Application to Cement-Based Materials, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.8591, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=960460 (Accessed May 20, 2026)
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Quasistatic Crack Formation in Multiphase Materials Driven by Internal Phases Expansion Mechanisms: Application to Cement-Based Materials
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Abstract
Internal crack formation and propagation are often found in concrete undergoing expansion of some internal phase or phases, driven by deterioration mechanisms such as pyrrhotite oxidation or alkali-silica reaction. This study employs a 2-D finite element-based coarse-grained quasistatic approach to model crack formation and propagation when selected internal phases expand. Idealized cases of composite materials are first analyzed. The computational model is then applied to microstructure images of cement-based materials to demonstrate its effectiveness. This model enables the testing of various hypotheses regarding internal degradation mechanisms in composite materials, aiding in the development of a conceptual framework and identifying key elements of degradation. An analysis of crack initiation site location, number, and size was conducted, and crack propagation simulations were generated. A semi-empirical relationship between mechanical properties and crack area was proposed. This 2-D model provides a valuable tool to help understand internal cracking due to various deterioration mechanisms driven by expansive material phases.Citation
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 8591
Report Number
8591
NIST Pub Series
Pub Type
NIST Pubs
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Keywords
Expansive phases, Quasi-brittle fracture mechanics, Crack nucleation and initiation, Crack Propagation, Concrete degradation
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Created May 19, 2026