Numerical modelling of Concrete Rheology in Deep Foundation Construction

The project objectives include:
1) Interact with EFFC/DFI field tests.
2) To develop capacity for large-scale numerical simulation that is able to accurately capture the bulk behaviour of tremie concrete in full-scale construction processes and for the broadest range of concrete mixes encountered in industrial practice. This will be done in conjunction with Arup's numerical teams to transfer skills in both directions.
3) To systematically investigate the relationship between concrete properties, design factors, construction processes and completion quality, where a special focus is to be placed on the impact of reinforcement design and the variability of concrete mixes.
4) To build a modelling capacity that recognizes the various individual components in concrete mix and the interface layer (e.g. cement, water, aggregate, admixture, addition and debris) and their multi-physics interactions. It is important to quantify the relationship between fine-scale physics and the formation of such defects as segregation, shadowing, matrixing, bleed, channelling etc in deep foundations.