Nonlinear finite element analysis of structures strengthened with carbon FiBre reinforced polymer: A comparison study

Abstract

Modelling crack propagation in fracture mechanics is a very challenging task. Different methods are usually robust under different conditions and there is no universally efficient numerical method for dynamic fracture simulations. Most available methods are computationally extensive and usually require frequent remeshing. This comparison study focuses on three major methods: the discrete element method, the adaptive fixed crack method and the element-free Galerkin method. By implementing these methods to study a 2D concrete beam with reinforcement of carbon-fibre reinforced polymer straps, we have shown that for simulations of a limited number of cracks, fixed crack method gives the best results. For multiple crossover cracks, the discrete element method is more suitable, while for moderate number of elements, the element-free Galerkin method are superior. However, for large number of elements, fixed crack method is most efficient. Comparisons will be given in details. In addition, new algorithms are still highly needed for the efficient simulations of dynamic crack propagations. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.