Author(s)

F.P. Zhou

Abstract

Numerical modelling of creep crack growth and fracture in concrete F.P. Zhou Department of Structural Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Torino, Italy ABSTRACT A numerical crack model is proposed for creep fracture in concrete. In this model, the localized damage zone is represented by a cohesive crack and described by an incremental time-dependent strain-softening law. The model is implemented in a finite element program and applied to flexural tests on notched beams subjected to high sustained loads. The experimental creep rupture curves seem to be properly simulated. Furthermore, the model can predict the stress distributions around the crack tip, and the development of the damage zone. INTRODUCTION Fracture of concrete is characterized by a long strain-softening damage zone in front of the crack tip. Therefore, linear fracture mechanics cannot be readily applied to concrete. The Fictitious Crack Model proposed by Hillerborg et al. [1], has

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