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Structural Engineering and Mechanics Volume 36, Number 3, October20 2010, pages 343-361 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12989/sem.2010.36.3.343 |
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A discrete particle model for reinforced concrete fracture analysis |
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N. Monteiro Azevedo, J.V. Lemos and J.R. Almeida
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| Abstract | ||
| The Discrete Element Method adopting particles for the domain discretization has recently been adopted in fracture studies of non-homogeneous continuous media such as concrete and rock. A model is proposed in which the reinforcement is modelled by 1D rigid-spring discrete elements. The rigid bars interact with the rigid circular particles that simulate the concrete through contact interfaces. The DEM enhanced model with reinforcement capabilities is evaluated using three point bending and four point bending tests on reinforced concrete beams without stirrups. Under three point bending, the model is shown to reproduce the expected final crack pattern, the crack propagation and the load displacement diagram. Under four point bending, the model is shown to match the experimental ultimate load, the size effect and the crack propagation and localization. | ||
| Key Words | ||
| discrete-element; reinforced-concrete; fracture. | ||
| Address | ||
| N. Monteiro Azevedo: LNEC, Av. Brasil 101, 1700-066 Lisboa, Portugal J.V. Lemos: LNEC, Av. Brasil 101, 1700-066 Lisboa, Portugal J.R. Almeida: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculdade de Ciencias e Tecnologia, UNL, 1700 Monte de Caparica, Portugal | ||