Numerical modeling of the fracture process in mode I of concrete beams with known cracking path by means of a discrete model of cohesive crack

Abstract

This work describes the formulation, implementation and application of a cohesive crack discrete model, which can simulate the fracture process in mode I of simple concrete beams with defined cracking pattern. In the fracture process, a relationship between the cohesive normal stress and crack opening is established, where the material outside the fracture zone has a lineal elastic behavior in loading and unloading, whereas the material inside the fracture zone has an inelastic behavior with strain softening. In the mesh, pairs of nodes at the same spatial position are put on the cracking pattern and disconnect the adjoining two-dimensional elements. These duplicated nodes are connected to elasto-plastic springs that represent fracture process. Three concrete beams subjected to load at the middle with different dimensions are numerically simulated. Each numerical simulation is a nonlinear finite elements analysis in plane stress state, considering infinitesimal strain and applying an incremental vertical displacement on the top side of the mid-span of the beam. Satisfactory results of the structural response are obtained, as compared with experimental tests and numerical modeling carried out by other authors.