Abstract
This study develops an innovative numerical approach for simulating complex mesoscale fracture in concrete. In this approach, the concrete meso-structures are generated using a random aggregate generation and packing algorithm. Each aggregate is modelled by a single scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) based polygon with the boundary discretized only. The damage and fracture in the mortar is simulated by the continuous damage phase-field regularized cohesive zone model (PF-CZM), and the aggregate-mortar interfaces are modelled by zero-thickness cohesive interface elements (CIEs) with nonlinear softening separation-traction laws. This new approach thus takes full advantages of different methods, including the semi-analytical accuracy and high flexibility in mesh generation and transition of SBFEM, the mesh and length-scale independence of PF-CZM, and the ease-of-use of CIEs in modelling discrete interfacial fracture. These advantages are demonstrated by successful simulations of a few 2D and 3D benchmark examples in mode-I and mixed-mode fracture.
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