| Abstract: | The paper describes a model for the response of concrete that is subjected to essentially monotonic straining at low confining pressures. We assume that, under these conditions, the response of the concrete is dominated by cracking when the stress state is predominantly tensile, and by gross inelastic deformation under compressive stress. The model uses a “crack detection surface” in stress space to determine when cracking takes place and the orientation of the cracking at a point, together with a damaged elasticity approach to describe the post-failure behavior of the concrete with open cracks. A yield/flow surface (associated flow) model is used to define the concrete's response in compressive states of stress. The model is simple enough that it can be implemented so as to operate effectively in an implicit finite element code: modeling accuracy is sacrificed for this purpose. Preliminary studies with the model indicate that it can give useful predictions in cases of interest. |
