• Computers and Concrete
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.401-416
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• 2008

The paper presents a methodology to model three-dimensional reinforced concrete members by means of embedded discontinuity elements based on the Continuum Strong Discontinuous Approach (CSDA). Mixture theory concepts are used to model reinforced concrete as a 3D composite material constituted of concrete with long fibers (rebars) bundles oriented in different directions embedded in it. The effects of the rebars are modeled by phenomenological constitutive models devised to reproduce the axial non-linear behavior, as well as the bond-slip and dowel action. The paper presents the constitutive models assumed for the components and the compatibility conditions chosen to constitute the composite. Numerical analyses of existing experimental reinforced concrete members are presented, illustrating the applicability of the proposed methodology.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.283-288
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• 2017

A spot welded joint is modeled using 3-D finite elements with embedded strong discontinuities. The spot weld is represented by a special cohesive law on the embedded discontinuity surface, instead of meshing its geometry. This strategy naturally eliminates the need of adaptive FEM meshes fitting the local geometry of the spot weld. Mesh independent solutions are guaranteed by explicitly modeling the detailed shape of the spot weld, which is in contrast with the exiting approach using point constraints for the spot weld.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.303-315
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• 2010

In this paper, we present a new finite Timoshenko beam element with a model for ultimate load computation of reinforced concrete frames. The proposed model combines the descriptions of the diffuse plastic failure in the beam-column followed by the creation of plastic hinges due to the failure or collapse of the concrete and or the re-bars. A modified multi-scale analysis is performed in order to identify the parameters for stress-resultant-based macro model, which is used to described the behavior of the Timoshenko beam element. The micro-scale is described by using the multi-fiber elements with embedded strain discontinuities in mode 1, which would typically be triggered by bending failure mode. A special attention is paid to the influence of the axial force on the bending moment - rotation response, especially for the columns behavior computation.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.7 no.6
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• pp.483-496
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• 2010

This work deals with the determination of crack openings in 2D reinforced concrete structures using the Finite Element Method with a smeared rotating crack model or an embedded crack model. In the smeared crack model, the strong discontinuity associated with the crack is spread throughout the finite element. As is well known, the continuity of the displacement field assumed for these models is incompatible with the actual discontinuity. However, this type of model has been used extensively due to the relative computational simplicity it provides by treating cracks in a continuum framework, as well as the reportedly good predictions of reinforced concrete members' structural behavior. On the other hand, by enriching the displacement field within each finite element crossed by the crack path, the embedded crack model is able to describe the effects of actual discontinuities (cracks). This paper presents a comparative study of the abilities of these 2D models in predicting the mechanical behavior of reinforced concrete structures. Structural responses are compared with experimental results from the literature, including crack patterns, crack openings and rebar stresses predicted by both models.

• Coupled systems mechanics
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.211-235
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• 2015

In this work we present a one-dimensional damage model capable of representing the dynamic fracture for elastodamage bar with combined hardening in fracture process zone - FPZ and softening with embedded strong discontinuities. This model is compared with another one we recently introduced (Do et al. 2015) and it shows a good agreement between two models. Namely, it is indicated that strain-softening leads to a sensitivity of results on the mesh discretization. Strain tends to localization in a single element which is the smallest possible area in the finite element simulations. The strain-softening element in the middle of the bar undergoes intense deformation. Strain increases with increasing mesh refinement. Strain in elements outside the strain-softening element gradually decreases to zero.

• Coupled systems mechanics
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.125-145
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• 2020

In this paper, we present a 3D thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled discrete beam lattice model of structure built of the nonisothermal saturated poro-plastic medium subjected to mechanical loads and nonstationary heat transfer conditions. The proposed model is based on Voronoi cell representation of the domain with cohesive links represented as inelastic Timoshenko beam finite elements enhanced with additional kinematics in terms of embedded strong discontinuities in axial and both transverse directions. The enhanced Timoshenko beam finite element is capable of modeling crack formation in mode I, mode II and mode III. Mode I relates to crack opening, mode II relates to in-plane crack sliding, and mode III relates to the out-of-plane shear sliding. The pore fluid flow and heat flow in the proposed model are governed by Darcy's law and Fourier's law for heat conduction, respectively. The pore pressure field and temperature field are approximated with linear tetrahedral finite elements. By exploiting nodal point quadrature rule for numerical integration on tetrahedral finite elements and duality property between Voronoi diagram and Delaunay tetrahedralization, the numerical implementation of the coupling results with additional pore pressure and temperature degrees of freedom placed at each node of a Timoshenko beam finite element. The results of several numerical simulations are presented and discussed.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.261-283
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• 2013

This paper aims to contribute to the three-dimensional generalization of numerical prediction of crack propagation through the formulation of finite elements with embedded discontinuities. The analysis of crack propagation in two-dimensional problems yields lines of discontinuity that can be tracked in a relatively simple way through the sequential construction of straight line segments oriented according to the direction of failure within each finite element in the solid. In three-dimensional analysis, the construction of the discontinuity path is more complex because it requires the creation of plane surfaces within each element, which must be continuous between the elements. In the method proposed by Chaves (2003) the crack is determined by solving a problem analogous to the heat conduction problem, established from local failure orientations, based on the stress state of the mechanical problem. To minimize the computational effort, in this paper a new strategy is proposed whereby the analysis for tracking the discontinuity path is restricted to the domain formed by some elements near the crack surface that develops along the loading process. The proposed methodology is validated by performing three-dimensional analyses of basic problems of experimental fractures and comparing their results with those reported in the literature.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.61-76
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• 2004

The paper is devoted to present the Continuum Strong Discontinuity Approach (CSDA) and to examine its capabilities for modeling cracking of concrete. After introducing the main ingredients of the CSDA, an isotropic continuum damage model, which distinguishes tension and compression states, is used to implicitly induce a projected traction separation-law that rules the cracking phenomena. Criteria for onset and propagation of material failure and specific finite elements with embedded discontinuities are also briefly sketched. Finally, some representative numerical simulations of cracking, in plain and reinforced concrete specimens, using the CSDA are presented.

• Coupled systems mechanics
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.27-42
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• 2018

Behavior of soil is usually described with continuum type of failure models such as Mohr-Coulomb or Drucker-Prager model. The main advantage of these models is in a relatively simple and efficient way of predicting the main tendencies and overall behavior of soil in failure analysis of interest for engineering practice. However, the main shortcoming of these models is that they are not able to capture post-peak behavior of soil nor the corresponding failure modes under extreme loading. In this paper we will significantly improve on this state-of-the-art. In particular, we propose the use of a discrete beam lattice model to provide a sharp prediction of inelastic response and failure mechanisms in coupled soil-foundation systems. In the discrete beam lattice model used in this paper, soil is meshed with one-dimensional Timoshenko beam finite elements with embedded strong discontinuities in axial and transverse direction capable of representing crack propagation in mode I and mode II. Mode I relates to crack opening, and mode II relates to crack sliding. To take into account material heterogeneities, we determine fracture limits for each Timoshenko beam with Gaussian random distribution. We compare the results obtained using the discrete beam lattice model against those obtained using the modified three-surface elasto-plastic cap model.