In order to set the present work within the broader context of existing modeling approaches, we will shortly review recent developments in the field of numerical modeling and experimental observations in relation to the three aforementioned phenomena in the following subsections.
(I) Uniaxial tensile behavior. Based on the need to understand and characterize the tensile behavior of quasi-ductile composites, several modeling approaches have been developed in recent years with the intention of reflecting the elementary damage mechanisms of matrix cracking and the debonding of the fabric from the matrix. Mesoscale models with explicit representation of the reinforcement layout within the cross section enable the study and understanding of the damage evolution process in the composite, and can be used to identify suitable combinations of materials, fabric geometries, short fiber volume fractions, and lengths [6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. Special attention has been paid to the modeling of the local disintegration process within the inherently heterogeneous bond structure in cementitious composites reinforced with multi-filament yarns in the crack bridge and its vicinity [11].
