An embedded strong discontinuity approach based on local degrees of freedom for modelling fracture in concrete structures

Abstract

In this paper, a new purely local embedded formulation is proposed for the simulation of crack propagation in concrete structures. The degrees of freedom related with the opening of the discontinuities are condensed when solving the system of equations with significant savings in computational cost. Crack propagation is also tracked locally, which allows for efficiency in terms of implementation. In the scope of this work, the DSDA is used to enrich the displacement field of the structure with the additional rigid body movements that approximate the kinematics of the crack opening inside a finite element. The numerical results obtained in the simulation are compared with experimental data and with another embedded formulation based on global degrees of freedom. The main features and limitations of the local embedded approach are discussed. In summary, it is highlighted the simplicity and easiness of the implementation, and the possibility of handling multiple cracks, while avoiding stress-locking effects.