Title: 446.3R-97: Finite Element Analysis of Fracture in Concrete Structures

Author(s): ACI Committee 446

Publication: Technical Documents

Volume:

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 33

Keywords: fracture mechanics

DOI:

Date: 10/16/1997

Abstract:
Fracture is an important mode of deformation and damage in both plain and reinforced concrete structures. To accurately predict fracture behavior, it is often necessary to use finite element analysis. This report describes the state-of-the-art of finite element analysis of fracture in concrete. The two dominant techniques used in finite element modeling of fracture, the discrete and the smeared approaches, are described. Examples of finite element analysis of cracking and fractureof plain and reinforced concrete structures are summarized. While almost all concrerte structures crack, some structures are fracture sensitive, while others are not. Therefore, in some instances it is necessary to use a consistent and accurate fracture model in the finite element analysis of a structure. For most general and predictive finite element analyses, it is desirable to allow cracking to be represented using both the discrete and the smeared approaches.