Analysis of crack formation and crack growth in concrete by means of fracture mechanics and finite elements

A method is presented in which fracture mechanics is introduced into finite element analysis by means of a model where stresses are assumed to act across a crack as long as it is narrowly opened. This assumption may be regarded as a way of expressing the energy adsorption GC in the energy balance approach, but it is also in agreement with results of tension tests. As a demonstration the method has been applied to the bending of an unreinforced...