Functionally Graded Concrete (2015-10)¶

The grading of concrete components by continuously changing material properties such as porosity, strength or stiffness in up to three spatial directions enables the interior of the component to be adapted to the prevailing static or building physics requirement profile. This adaptation can be used to minimize mass and achieve multifunctional properties. Numerical design methods provide the gradient layout, which serves as a digital blueprint for these components. This article describes full-scale tests on graded beams. They allow a statement to be made about the load-bearing behavior and the mass-saving potential of graded concrete components compared to components made of normal concrete. The test results are then reproduced with the aid of numerical simulations. The models calibrated in this way form the starting point for the development of numerical design methods based on a topology optimization approach.