A Smeared Crack Modelling Approach for Aggregate Interlock and Mixed Mode Fracture of Concrete

Abstract

The intention of this contribution is the numerical description of the rarely investigated phenomenon of mixed mode fracture in plain concrete. Since cracks in concrete are typically subjected to both normal and shear displacements, a new material model called fictitious rough crack model (FRCM) is proposed which combines mode I fictitious crack models with aggregate interlock models. For modelling the mixed mode behavior as the result of coexisting cohesive concrete behavior and aggregate interlock stresses along concrete cracks, mode I behavior is considered as the main influence on crack formation at the crack tip and mode II behavior (aggregate interlock) is assumed to occur when translations are induced along the crack surfaces (slip). The combination of these tension-softening and shear-transfer laws and the resulting shear and normal stresses of both mechanisms in the crack characterizes the main idea of the model. Well-known experimental benchmark problems are solved both for validation of the proposed model as well as for comparison with renowned concrete models of commercial FE software. The analysis shows that the FRCM can simulate the transition from mode I fracture to mixed mode fracture in the structural response while the comparison with commercial numerical approaches demonstrates the lack of appropriate consideration of aggregate interlock and mixed mode behavior in commercial FE software.