Simulation of cracking and failure of concrete structures

Abstract

The computer simulation of the cracking process in concrete structures is performed by means of the program system SBETA. The program is based on nonlinear hypo-elastic constitutive model, which covers all important, experimentally derived material properties, namely, cracking, nonlinear stress-strain law in compression, softenning in compression and tension, biaxial failure function, etc. The nonlinear fracture mechanics is included by means of the fictitious crack model and smeared crack approach. Two examples of computer simulation of concrete fracture are shown. In the first example, the failure mode of a pull-out test is presented. In the second example, the process of the crack development and shear failure of a reinforced concrete beam is simulated.