Modeling of the behaviour of concrete elements containing a self- healing agent

This contribution focuses on the numerical modelling and simulation of the mechanical behaviour of structural elements containing a self-healing agent. Specifically, the finite element modelling of the mechanical response of plain concrete structural element, containing a healing agent and subject to various loading conditions is discussed. A customized numerical procedure designed to implement the Damage Mechanics-based constitutive relation for concrete into a general-purpose finite element code is developed. The procedure comprises algorithms for evaluation of the volume of newly-formed cracks, the recovery of stiffness of the structural element due to crack closure, the initiation of healing and its effect on the overall response of the structural element. The procedure is demonstrated by simulations of a concrete cylinder subjected to compression and torsion.