An introduction of boundary element method to the analysis of crack propagat ion in concrete

Abstract

The dual boundary element method (DBEM) incorporated with fictitious crack model (FCM) is used to analyse and simulate the crack propagation .in concrete. The fractu re in concrete is represented by the FCM in which the fra ctur e zone is replaced by applying closing forces on both crack surfaces . When the force at the fictitious crack tip exceeds the maximum tensile strength of the concrete, the fict itious crack will prop aga te perpendicular to the maximum principal stress. Three-point bending specimen is used to check the numerical analysis and t he results is compared to t he analysis by finite element method and experimental results