Theoretical characterization of mesoscopic dynamic fracture behaviors of concrete based on an extended self-consistent finite stress model (XSFSM)

Abstract

This study presents a theoretical approach to characterize the mesoscopic dynamic fracture behaviors of concrete. Firstly, different fracture behaviors are determined from energy criteria. Secondly, by considering the energy equivalence principle, the Saint-Venant’s principle and the Newton’s laws of motion, an extended self-consistent finite stress model (XSFSM) is established for dynamic fracture analysis of concrete-like cementitious materials. The XSFSM is validated and modified by comparing with the existing models in design codes and the curve fitting models in literatures. Thirdly, the XSFSM is utilized to propose the meso-level fracture criterion of concrete based on a morphological material model. Parametric study illustrates that the criterion can predict the transgranular and intergranular failure modes of concrete under quasi-static to dynamic loading. At last, assumptions and limitations of the present theoretical approach and its prospects in computational methods are discussed.