Some recent developments in computational modelling of concrete fracture

Some of the most important aspects of numerical modelling of cracking in concrete are reviewed. After a discussion of the three main lines in modelling cracking – discrete crack models, smeared representations and approaches using lattice models – a concise treatment including comparative studies is given of the various smeared crack approaches that exist to date. Next a discussion is presented of some issues pertaining to the sensitivity of numerical results on the fineness of the mesh and the direction of the mesh lines, and on size effects in concrete structures. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.