Numerical Damage Modeling of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Abstract

The present paper deals with FE-simulations of damage and failure processes in reinforced concrete structures, with emphasis on the description of suitable material models. For concrete, the generally accepted equivalent strain concept (pseudo 1D) is applied, which allows consideration of arbitrary concrete qualities. Two-dimensionality has been considered by the application of a 2D failure model. Macro-cracking and debonding is treated on the meso-level through special crack-elements as computational units of the length of the crack distance. Finally, exemplary results are presented, demonstrating crack-damage induced response phenomena of a large cooling tower shell up to structural failure.