An efficient three-dimensional damage-based nonlocal model for dynamic tensile failure in concrete

Abstract

Dynamic tensile failure involved with the initiation, evolution, branching and coalescence of cracks in concrete structures is usually observed under blast loadings and high-speed impact loadings, but accurate numerical prediction is still very challenging mainly due to the immaturity of numerical methods and constitutive models. The damage-based nonlocal model recently proposed by Kong et al. (Int J Impact Eng 2019; 132: 103336) could predict the dynamic tensile failure in concrete, but the computational cost was very high. To improve its computational efficiency, the efficient numerical algorithms, including an efficient neighborhood search algorithm, parallel computing algorithm and two additional strategies are firstly proposed, making the tensile failure can be predicted within acceptable time by using common facilities for a refined three-dimensional FE model with a large number of elements. Then numerical predictions of several sets of experiments, i.e., the compaction tension test, the modified Split-Hopkinson bar (spalling) test, the torsional Split-Hopkinson bar test, the edge-on-impact test and the notched prismatic torsion test, are conducted, in which good agreements are observed with corresponding experimental data in terms of crack pattern, crack velocity and structural resistance. The efficient damage-based nonlocal model is expected as a promising tool for the large-scale tensile failure analysis in concrete structures due to its high computational efficiency, accurate prediction and easy implementation.