Modeling Mixed Mode Fracture of Concrete by Using the Combined Discrete and Finite Elements Method

Abstract

The mixed mode (I/II) fracture of concrete is investigated by using a four-point combined discrete and finite elements method. The potential fracture zone is simulated by the discrete elements (DEs) and the other zone by the finite elements (FEs). A cohesive fracture model is employed to simulate the brittle fracture only in the DE subregion. Mesh-size independency of the cohesive fracture model subjected to the DE is carefully investigated with a simple case. Subsequently, the mixed mode fracture behaviors of two simple concrete specimens are simulated and the simulation results achieve good agreements with the other simulations and experimental results.