A comprehensive and integrated approach to the nonlinear model- ing of concrete structures using the discrete crack model in the finite element method is proposed. Three interrelated models are used: (1) solid model of a cracked structure, (2) finite element…
A comprehensive and integrated approach to the nonlinear model- ing of concrete structures using the discrete crack model in the finite element method is proposed. Three interrelated models are used: (1) solid model of a cracked structure, (2) finite element model and (3) linear and nonlinear fracture mechanics based model. Thus, for each crack increment a solid model is modified and a finite element mesh is automatically regenerated and reanalyzed. Both linear and nonlinear fracture mechanics theories are considered. A new imple- mentation of the domain integral method is proposed for the compu- tation of stress intensity factors along a general three-dimensional crack front. For the nonlinear theory, an interface crack model, which includes shear effects, is used to model the fracture process zone in cementitious materials. The proposed methodology is veri- fied on numerous problems with known experimental or analytical results, and is also applied to both two- and three-dimensional non- linear analyses of concrete dams.