Abstract
The progressive failure following strain localization in concrete can be analyzed effectively using finite element modeling of fracture process zone of concrete with a finite element embedded discontinuity. In this study, a finite element with embedded discontinuous line is utilized for the analysis of progressive failure in concrete. The finite element with embedded discontinuity is a kind of discrete crack element, but the difficulties in discrete crack approach such as remeshing or adding new nodes along with crack growth can be avoided. Using a discontinuous shape function for this element, the displacement discontinuity is embedded within an element and its constitutive equation is modeled from the modeling of fracture process zone. The element stiffness matrix is derived and its dual mapping technique for numerical integration is employed. Then, a finite element analysis program with employed algorithms is developed and failure analysis results using developed finite element program are verified through the comparison with experimental data and other analysis results.
