Abstract:The recycled aggregate concrete(RAC) was taken as inhomogeneous six phase composite. The meso finite element method for RAC was applied by incorporating digital image processing procedure, geometry vectorization algorithm and automatic finite element mesh generation technique. The automatic dynamic incremental nonlinear analysis was used to numerically simulate propagation process of cracks & fracture configuration and macro mechanical property of RAC specimen under uniaxial tension/compression based on mechanical property of each phase in RAC. On the basis of verified accuracy and reliability of the established real meso scale model, a parametric analysis was conducted to investigate sensitivity of macro mechanical property of RAC, which focused on different mechanical parameters of natural aggregate, interfacial transition zone(ITZ) and new/old hardened mortar. Numerical results indicate that the real aggregate model is more reliable to simulate damage process of RAC under external load, and simulation results are in a good agreement with test data. Natural aggregate has tremendous influence on failure process and damage path. Elastic modulus of natural aggregate is oversized, stress concentration phenomenon is even more obvious. Strength of RAC increases along with strength of new hardened mortar, whereas old hardened mortar has little effect on macroscopic mechanical property of RAC. Concentration of tensile stress and shear stress occur in new and old ITZs.