Three-dimensional cohesive crack model prediction of the flexural capacity of concrete slabs on soil

• Published in: Engineering fracture mechanics 2012-11, Vol.94, p.1-12
• Main Authors: Gaedicke, Cristián, Roesler, Jeffery, Evangelista, Francisco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-D cohesive elements; Cohesion; Concrete slab; Concretes; Crack initiation; Crack propagation; Elastic foundation; Flexural capacity; Fracture mechanics; Mathematical models; Slabs; Three dimensional models
• ISSN: 0013-7944; 1873-7315
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2012.04.029

► A 3-D method for predicting concrete slab crack growth and load capacity is proposed. ► 3-D cohesive crack elements were inserted for mode I slab fracture. ► The bilinear softening model was defined solely from measured concrete properties. ► Crack growth and load capacity of the slabs on ground were accurately predicted. A three-dimensional approach to discretely account for crack initiation, crack growth, and determination of the flexural load capacity of concrete slabs on an elastic foundation under mode I loading is proposed. The finite element model incorporated cohesive crack elements along a pre-defined crack path in the concrete slab. A bilinear softening model was used to describe the stress-crack opening relationship for plain concrete and was defined solely on measured strength and fracture properties. The proposed method predicted the slab’s flexural load capacity as compared to the large-scale experimental concrete slab results for several geometries and notch configurations. The model also provided insight into stress concentration areas and crack propagation positions at different load levels.