The use of a discrete-type numerical approach based on the three-dimensional Rigid- Body-Spring Model (RBSM) is proposed to simulate the crack propagation behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls subjected to monotonic and cyclic loadings, which are tested in the…
The use of a discrete-type numerical approach based on the three-dimensional Rigid- Body-Spring Model (RBSM) is proposed to simulate the crack propagation behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls subjected to monotonic and cyclic loadings, which are tested in the context of the international benchmark ConCrack (http://www.concrack.org/). In the RBSM, concrete is modeled as an assemblage of rigid particles interconnected by springs along their boundaries. The proposed model in this study utilizes the random particle configuration obtained from Voronoi tessellation, which reduces mesh bias on potential cracking directions. Reinforcing bar is modeled by a series of beam elements and load transfer between the beam nodes and the concrete particles is provided by linkage elements. The bond-slip characteristic of the reinforcing bar is introduced to the linkage spring. This model can realistically simulate localized and oriented phenomena, such as cracking, its propagation, frictional slip and so on, in concrete structures. The authors have already developed the constitutive models for the above mentioned model and the model has been validated through the simulations of the responses of concrete specimen subjected to uniaxial tension, uniaxial and triaxial compression. It can simulate not only tensile cracking but also fracture localization in compression. In this study, the constitutive models were extended to include cyclic effects and the model was validated through the simulations of the RC panel tests under cyclic loadings, which were reported in the literatures. Furthermore, the simulations of the RC shear wall tests were carried out, and the capability of the model to predict the detailed cracking information, such as crack width, spacing and direction of propagation is discussed.