The present paper addresses novel approaches in the analyses of
complex material systems currently at the forefront of interest among
civil engineers. Both traditional composites as well as recently
emerged reinforced soils have been receiving much attention in the
last decade. Although substantially different in their macroscopic
response to various loading conditions, these materials are linked
through complex geometries when viewed under a microscope, revealing
spatial inhomogeneity and phases of various scales, which make up the
material microstructure. A successful prediction of the macroscopic
behavior of such materials calls for modeling on various sizes of
scales. Multi-scale or hierarchical modeling offers means to bridge
length-scale differences ranging, from the size scales of microns to
large structures such as bridges or earth dams. Preliminary
accomplishments by the author and his coworkers in this field are
reviewed accompanied by the research needs and possible directions to
pursue in the future.
Last modified: Dec 12 2001