A refined diffuse cohesive approach for the failure analysis in quasibrittle materials—part I: Theoretical formulation and numerical calibration

• DOI: 10.1111/ffe.13107
• Publication Date: 2019-08-07T06:56:45Z
• Authors: Umberto De Maio; Fabrizio Greco; Lorenzo Leonetti; Raimondo Luciano; Paolo Nevone Blasi; Sabrina Vantadori
• Keywords: Micromechanics; Tortuosity

Abstract In this work, a refined interelement diffuse fracture theoretical model, based on cohesive finite element approach, is proposed for concrete and other quasibrittle materials. This model takes advantage of novel micromechanics‐based calibration technique reducing the artificial compliance associated with adopted intrinsic formulation. By means technique, required values elastic stiffness parameters to obtain nearly invisible interfaces are provided. Furthermore, mesh‐induced toughening effect, essentially related crack tortuosity caused by different orientations interfaces, numerically investigated performing comparisons an additional newly introduced purpose numerical validation. These presented assess reliability accuracy approach.