Discrete models of solids have been motivated, in large part, by the discontinuous and
heterogeneous nature of material structure and its breakdown under loading. The …

Thermal energy storage in building envelopes is critical to promoting renewable energy,
implementation of which requires thermal performance enhancement of construction …

Among all building materials, concrete is the most commonly used—and there is a
staggering demand for it. However, as we strive to build taller structures with improved …

Reinforced concrete structures are frequently exposed to aggressive environmental
conditions. Most notably, chloride ions from sea water or de-icing salts are potentially …

Natural hazards such as windstorms, earthquakes, and floods cause damage and failure to
both structural and non-structural elements, significantly impacting the functional integrity …

This paper presents the lattice element models, as a class of discrete models, in which the
structural solid is represented as an assembly of one-dimensional elements. This idea …

The size effect on the fracture process zone in notched and unnotched three point bending
tests of concrete beams is analysed by a meso-scale approach. Concrete is modelled at the …

A meso-scale analysis is performed to determine the fracture process zone of concrete
subjected to uniaxial tension. The meso-structure of concrete is idealised as stiff aggregates …

Dry-cured concrete usually suffers from a far more severe early-age shrinkage, resulting in
cracks that significantly deteriorate the corresponding mechanical properties. However, the …

Phase change materials (PCMs) have found their use in concrete technology for increasing
energy efficiency of building envelopes. In recent years, however, new potential applications …