This paper presents a robust finite-element procedure for simulating the localised fracture of reinforced concrete members. In this new model, the concrete member is modelled as an assembly of plain concrete, reinforcing steel bar and bond-link elements. The four-node quadrilateral elements are used for two-dimensional modelling of plain concrete elements, in which the extended finite-element method is adopted to simulate the formation and growth of individual cracks. The reinforcing steel bars are modelled using a three-node beam–column element. The two-node bond-link elements are used for modelling the interaction between plain concrete and reinforcing steel bar elements. It is evident that the non-linear procedure proposed in this paper can properly model the formation and propagation of individual localised cracks within the reinforced concrete structures. The model presented in this paper enables the researchers and designers to access the integrity of reinforced concrete members under extreme loading conditions using mesh-independent extended finite-element method.