Numerical Simulations of CNT/CNF Reinforced Concrete Using ANSYS

Concrete mix design is an important stage in the design of concrete structures, especially in the case of specific structures such as high-rise buildings, long bridges, and other massive structures, or when a specific type of concrete is used, such as green, recycled, high-strength, lightweight, etc. The proper design of the mix proportions assures that the concrete is as economical as possible, and that the successful construction and exploitation stages are provided. Concrete mix design methods include analytical, experimental, and statistical methods. Determination of the optimal mix proportions of concrete, according to the relevant concrete property is commonly obtained by using a hybrid of these methods, called the semi-experimental methods which usually include some statistical method combined with experimental testing. This paper determines the feasibility of application of ANSYS for the mix design of concrete reinforced with carbon nanotubes or carbon nanofibers. The work here explores the possibilities given by the program, examines the feasibility of numerical modeling in concrete mix design, and compares the results of the numerical simulations with the results of previous experimental testing of CNT/CNF reinforced concrete.