Thispaperpresentsathree-dimensionalmodeltosimulatethe tensile behavior of concrete based on continuum damage mechanics. By using a symmetric second-order tensor as the damage variable, this model allows for the simulation of orthotropic degradation. Three decoupled loading functions are defined in quantities that are thermodynamically…
Thispaperpresentsathree-dimensionalmodeltosimulatethe tensile behavior of concrete based on continuum damage mechanics. By using a symmetric second-order tensor as the damage variable, this model allows for the simulation of orthotropic degradation. Three decoupled loading functions are defined in quantities that are thermodynamically conjugate to the damage variables; the use of these specific definitions yields a symmetric tangent stiffness. In order to allow FE-calculations with arbitrary meshes, a process zone widthisintroducedinthedamageevolution. ANewton-Raphson-Methodisusedtosolvetheresultingnonlinear system of equations, and all partial derivatives are presented. Finally, the evaluation of the model is carried out by means of standard experimentation.