EFFECT OF TRANSITION ZONE ON ELASTIC-MODULI OF CONCRETE MATERIALS

This paper proposes a composite model for evaluation of the elastic mo duli of concrete materials. Concrete or mortar is assumed to have thre e phases, namely: aggregate, matrix and transition zone. Analytical so lutions for effective elastic moduli of the proposed composite model a re presented. The effect of the elastic moduli and volume fraction of the transition zone on overall elastic moduli of concrete or mortar is investigated. A procedure is also suggested to determine the elastic moduli of the transition zone knowing the overall elastic moduli of co ncrete or mortar.