Phase-field model for brittle fracture. Validation with experimental results and extension to dam engineering problems

Abstract

Phase-field formulations have recently emerged as promising tools to model brittle fracture. Based on the variational approach to fracture, these models aim at overcoming some of the computational challenges found in simulating complex fracture patterns and their evolution due to external or internal loads. Since most applications and validation exercises thus far have been restricted to academic benchmarks, the evaluation of phase-field fracture models against experimental results an practical engineering scenarios remains fragmented.Here we introduce a straightforward phase-field approach to simulate fluid and mechanically-driven fractures based on energy minimization and thermodynamical principles. We apply our methodology to several laboratory experiments of brittle fracture, and to fracturing processes in two full-scale concrete dams, taking into account the hydraulic forces inside the fractures. We conclude that phase-field models represent a promising computational tool that may be applied to realistic engineering scenarios.