Simulation of crack initiation and propagation in three point bending test using PFC2D

Abstract

Three points bending flexural test was modelled numerically to study the crack propagation in the pre-cracked beams. The pre-existing double internal cracks inside the beam models were considered to investigate the crack propagation and coalescence paths within the modelled samples. Notch configuration effects on the failure stress were considered too. This numerical analysis shown that the propagation of wing cracks emanating from the tips of the pre-existing internal cracks caused the final breaking of beams specimens. It was also shown that when two notches were overlapped, they both mobilized in the failure process and the failure stress was decreased when the notches were located in centre line. However, the failure stress was increased by increasing the bridge area angle. Finally, it was shown that in all cases, there were good agreements between the discrete element method results and, the other numerical and experimental results. In this research, it is tried to improve the understanding of the crack propagation and crack coalescence phenomena in brittle materials which is of paramount importance in the stability analyses of rock and concrete structures, such as the underground openings, rock slopes and tunnel construction.