Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Mortar-aggregate Interface and Its Use in Meso-scale Numerical Simulation of Concrete

Yachao Zhu

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14

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Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Mortar-aggregate Interface and Its Use in Meso-scale Numerical Simulation of Concrete

Yachao Zhu^*

Published in International Journal of Materials Science and Applications (Volume 15, Issue 3)

Received: 8 May 2026 Accepted: 17 May 2026 Published: 26 May 2026

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Abstract

Mortar-aggregate interface is the weakest region in concrete in terms of the mechanical properties due to its relatively higher porosity compared with the surrounding bulk cement paste, which has a significant effect on the behavior of concrete when subjected to loading. As a result, the mechanical properties of the interface have been recognized as the principal condition for the meso-scale numerical modeling of the fracture process of concrete and concrete structures. In this study, the composite mortar-aggregate specimens with different surface roughness of aggregate and mortar strength were prepared to quantitatively investigate the mechanical properties of interface by means of a series of tests, including the splitting tensile test, the direct shear test and the three-point bending test. The test results indicated that the mechanical properties of interface to some extent depend on the strength grade of mortar and the roughness of aggregate surface. The failure mode largely depends on the fracture energy of mortar cohesion layer and the joint adhesion layer. It is also found that the fracture energy of interface increases with the increase of mortar strength and the roughness of aggregate surface. With purpose of providing basic constitutive model for meso-scale numerical simulation of concrete behavior, the tension softening curves of mortar-aggregate interface for different mortar strength grade were developed based on the test results. Finally, with the proposed constitutive model of interface on meso-scale, the response of plain concrete under loading were conducted using the Rigid Body Spring Model (RBSM). The numerical simulation results indicated that the expressions of tension softening curves were valid and can be successfully applied to the numerical analysis of concrete structures.

Published in	International Journal of Materials Science and Applications (Volume 15, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14
Page(s)	113-124
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Interface, Roughness, Bond Strength, Fracture Energy, Tension Softening Curve, Meso-scale Numerical Simulation

References

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[2]	Nagai, K., Sato, Y., Ueda, T. (2004), “Meso-scale simulation of failure of mortar and concrete by 2D RBSM”, Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology, 2(3), 359-374.
[3]	Sideny, M, Young, J. F., Darwin, D. (2005), “Concrete”, Translated by Wu, K. R.，Zhang, X., Yao, W., et al. Beijing, Chemical Industry Press. (in Chinese).
[4]	Diamond, S. (2004), “The microstructure of cement paste and concrete-a visual primer”, Cement and Concrete Composites, 26(8), 919-933.
[5]	Liao, K. Y., Chang, P. K., Peng, Y. N., et al. (2004), “A study on characteristics of interfacial transition zone in concrete”, Cement and Concrete Research, 34(6), 977-989.
[6]	Wang, X. H., Jacobsen, S., He, J. Y. (2009), “ Application of nanoindentation testing to study of the interfacial transition zone in steel fiber reinforced mortar”, Cement and Concrete Research, 39(8), 701-715.
[7]	Chen, H. S., Sun, W., Stroeven, P. (2004), “Interfacial transition zone between aggregate and paste in cementitious composites (II): mechanical of formation and degradation of interfacial transition zone microstructure, and its influence factors”, Journal of The Chinese Ceramic Society, 32(1), 71-81.
[8]	Mondal, P., Shah, S. P., Marks, L. D. (2008), “Nano-scale characterization of cementitious materials”, ACI Materials Journal, 105, 174-179.
[9]	Mondal, P., Shah, S. P., Marks, L. D. (2009), “Nanomechanical properties of interfacial transition zone in concrete”, Proceedings of Nanotechnology in Construction 3, Springer, pp. 315-320.
[10]	Kim, S. M., Abu Al-Rub, R. K. (2011), “Meso-scale computational modeling of the plastic-damage response of cementitious composites”, Cement and Concrete Research, 41(3), 339-358.
[11]	Hillerborg, A., Modeer, M., Petersson, P. E. (1976), “Analysis of crack formation and crack growth in concrete by means of fracture mechanics and finite elements”, Cement and Concrete Research, 6(6), 773-781.
[12]	Niwa, J., Sumranwanich, T., Tantermisirikul, S. (1998), “New method to determine tension softening curve of concrete”, Fracture Mechanics of Concrete Structures. Proceedings of FRAMCOS-3, Vol. 1, 347-356.
[13]	Xu, S. L. (1999), “Determination of parameters in the bilinear, Reinhardt’s and exponentially nonlinear softening curves and their physical meanings”, Werkstoffe und Werkstoffpruefung im Bauwesen, Hamburg, Libri BOD, 410-424.
[14]	CEB-Comite Euro-International du Beton-EB-FIP Model Code 1990. Bulletin D’Information No. 213/214, Lausanne.
[15]	Reinhardt, H. W., Cornelissen, H. A. W., Hordijk, D. A. (1986), “Tensile tests and failure analysis of concrete”, Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE. 112, 2462-77.
[16]	Kawai, T. (1977), “New element models in discrete strctural analysis”, Journal of the Society of Naval Architects of Japan, 141, 187-193.
[17]	Hakuno, M., Meguro, K. (1993), “Simulation of concrete-frame collapse due to dynamic loading”, Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 119(9), 1709-1723.
[18]	Zhang, D. H., Zhu, F. S., Xing, J. B. (2005), “Numerical simulation of fracture process of concrete under dynamic impact”, Journal of Northeastern University (Natural Science), 26(8), 790-793.
[19]	Zubelewicz, A., Bažant, Z. P. (1987), “Interface element modeling of fracture in aggregate composites”, Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 113(11), 1619-1630.
[20]	Nagai, K., Sato, Y., Ueda, T. (2005), “Meso-scale simulation of failure of mortar and concrete by 3D RBSM”, Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology, 3(3), 385-402.

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APA Style

Zhu, Y. (2026). Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Mortar-aggregate Interface and Its Use in Meso-scale Numerical Simulation of Concrete. International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 15(3), 113-124. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14

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ACS Style

Zhu, Y. Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Mortar-aggregate Interface and Its Use in Meso-scale Numerical Simulation of Concrete. Int. J. Mater. Sci. Appl. 2026, 15(3), 113-124. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14

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AMA Style

Zhu Y. Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Mortar-aggregate Interface and Its Use in Meso-scale Numerical Simulation of Concrete. Int J Mater Sci Appl. 2026;15(3):113-124. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14,
  author = {Yachao Zhu},
  title = {Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Mortar-aggregate Interface and Its Use in Meso-scale Numerical Simulation of Concrete},
  journal = {International Journal of Materials Science and Applications},
  volume = {15},
  number = {3},
  pages = {113-124},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmsa.20261503.14},
  abstract = {Mortar-aggregate interface is the weakest region in concrete in terms of the mechanical properties due to its relatively higher porosity compared with the surrounding bulk cement paste, which has a significant effect on the behavior of concrete when subjected to loading. As a result, the mechanical properties of the interface have been recognized as the principal condition for the meso-scale numerical modeling of the fracture process of concrete and concrete structures. In this study, the composite mortar-aggregate specimens with different surface roughness of aggregate and mortar strength were prepared to quantitatively investigate the mechanical properties of interface by means of a series of tests, including the splitting tensile test, the direct shear test and the three-point bending test. The test results indicated that the mechanical properties of interface to some extent depend on the strength grade of mortar and the roughness of aggregate surface. The failure mode largely depends on the fracture energy of mortar cohesion layer and the joint adhesion layer. It is also found that the fracture energy of interface increases with the increase of mortar strength and the roughness of aggregate surface. With purpose of providing basic constitutive model for meso-scale numerical simulation of concrete behavior, the tension softening curves of mortar-aggregate interface for different mortar strength grade were developed based on the test results. Finally, with the proposed constitutive model of interface on meso-scale, the response of plain concrete under loading were conducted using the Rigid Body Spring Model (RBSM). The numerical simulation results indicated that the expressions of tension softening curves were valid and can be successfully applied to the numerical analysis of concrete structures.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Mortar-aggregate Interface and Its Use in Meso-scale Numerical Simulation of Concrete
AU  - Yachao Zhu
Y1  - 2026/05/26
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14
T2  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JF  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JO  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
SP  - 113
EP  - 124
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2643
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14
AB  - Mortar-aggregate interface is the weakest region in concrete in terms of the mechanical properties due to its relatively higher porosity compared with the surrounding bulk cement paste, which has a significant effect on the behavior of concrete when subjected to loading. As a result, the mechanical properties of the interface have been recognized as the principal condition for the meso-scale numerical modeling of the fracture process of concrete and concrete structures. In this study, the composite mortar-aggregate specimens with different surface roughness of aggregate and mortar strength were prepared to quantitatively investigate the mechanical properties of interface by means of a series of tests, including the splitting tensile test, the direct shear test and the three-point bending test. The test results indicated that the mechanical properties of interface to some extent depend on the strength grade of mortar and the roughness of aggregate surface. The failure mode largely depends on the fracture energy of mortar cohesion layer and the joint adhesion layer. It is also found that the fracture energy of interface increases with the increase of mortar strength and the roughness of aggregate surface. With purpose of providing basic constitutive model for meso-scale numerical simulation of concrete behavior, the tension softening curves of mortar-aggregate interface for different mortar strength grade were developed based on the test results. Finally, with the proposed constitutive model of interface on meso-scale, the response of plain concrete under loading were conducted using the Rigid Body Spring Model (RBSM). The numerical simulation results indicated that the expressions of tension softening curves were valid and can be successfully applied to the numerical analysis of concrete structures.
VL  - 15
IS  - 3
ER  -

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Author Information

Yachao Zhu

Architecture Design Department, Shenyang Aluminum and Magnesium Engineering and Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shenyang, China

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http://orcid.org/0009-0000-5883-935X

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APA Style

Zhu, Y. (2026). Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Mortar-aggregate Interface and Its Use in Meso-scale Numerical Simulation of Concrete. International Journal of Materials Science and Applications, 15(3), 113-124. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14

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ACS Style

Zhu, Y. Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Mortar-aggregate Interface and Its Use in Meso-scale Numerical Simulation of Concrete. Int. J. Mater. Sci. Appl. 2026, 15(3), 113-124. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14

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AMA Style

Zhu Y. Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Mortar-aggregate Interface and Its Use in Meso-scale Numerical Simulation of Concrete. Int J Mater Sci Appl. 2026;15(3):113-124. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14,
  author = {Yachao Zhu},
  title = {Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Mortar-aggregate Interface and Its Use in Meso-scale Numerical Simulation of Concrete},
  journal = {International Journal of Materials Science and Applications},
  volume = {15},
  number = {3},
  pages = {113-124},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmsa.20261503.14},
  abstract = {Mortar-aggregate interface is the weakest region in concrete in terms of the mechanical properties due to its relatively higher porosity compared with the surrounding bulk cement paste, which has a significant effect on the behavior of concrete when subjected to loading. As a result, the mechanical properties of the interface have been recognized as the principal condition for the meso-scale numerical modeling of the fracture process of concrete and concrete structures. In this study, the composite mortar-aggregate specimens with different surface roughness of aggregate and mortar strength were prepared to quantitatively investigate the mechanical properties of interface by means of a series of tests, including the splitting tensile test, the direct shear test and the three-point bending test. The test results indicated that the mechanical properties of interface to some extent depend on the strength grade of mortar and the roughness of aggregate surface. The failure mode largely depends on the fracture energy of mortar cohesion layer and the joint adhesion layer. It is also found that the fracture energy of interface increases with the increase of mortar strength and the roughness of aggregate surface. With purpose of providing basic constitutive model for meso-scale numerical simulation of concrete behavior, the tension softening curves of mortar-aggregate interface for different mortar strength grade were developed based on the test results. Finally, with the proposed constitutive model of interface on meso-scale, the response of plain concrete under loading were conducted using the Rigid Body Spring Model (RBSM). The numerical simulation results indicated that the expressions of tension softening curves were valid and can be successfully applied to the numerical analysis of concrete structures.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Mortar-aggregate Interface and Its Use in Meso-scale Numerical Simulation of Concrete
AU  - Yachao Zhu
Y1  - 2026/05/26
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14
T2  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JF  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
JO  - International Journal of Materials Science and Applications
SP  - 113
EP  - 124
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2643
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmsa.20261503.14
AB  - Mortar-aggregate interface is the weakest region in concrete in terms of the mechanical properties due to its relatively higher porosity compared with the surrounding bulk cement paste, which has a significant effect on the behavior of concrete when subjected to loading. As a result, the mechanical properties of the interface have been recognized as the principal condition for the meso-scale numerical modeling of the fracture process of concrete and concrete structures. In this study, the composite mortar-aggregate specimens with different surface roughness of aggregate and mortar strength were prepared to quantitatively investigate the mechanical properties of interface by means of a series of tests, including the splitting tensile test, the direct shear test and the three-point bending test. The test results indicated that the mechanical properties of interface to some extent depend on the strength grade of mortar and the roughness of aggregate surface. The failure mode largely depends on the fracture energy of mortar cohesion layer and the joint adhesion layer. It is also found that the fracture energy of interface increases with the increase of mortar strength and the roughness of aggregate surface. With purpose of providing basic constitutive model for meso-scale numerical simulation of concrete behavior, the tension softening curves of mortar-aggregate interface for different mortar strength grade were developed based on the test results. Finally, with the proposed constitutive model of interface on meso-scale, the response of plain concrete under loading were conducted using the Rigid Body Spring Model (RBSM). The numerical simulation results indicated that the expressions of tension softening curves were valid and can be successfully applied to the numerical analysis of concrete structures.
VL  - 15
IS  - 3
ER  -

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