Computational modeling of cracking of concrete in strong discontinuity settings

Abstract

The paper is devoted to present the Continuum Strong Discontinuity Approach (CSDA) andrnto examine its capabilities for modeling cracking of concrete. After introducing the main ingredients ofrnthe CSDA, an isotropic continuum damage model, which distinguishes tension and compression states, isrnused to implicitly induce a projected traction separation-law that rules the cracking phenomena. Criteriarnfor onset and propagation of material failure and specific finite elements with embedded discontinuitiesrnare also briefly sketched. Finally, some representative numerical simulations of cracking, in plain andrnreinforced concrete specimens, using the CSDA are presented.rn