Fracture analyses of concrete structures by the modified distinct element method

Abstract

A new method for analyzing the fracture of concrete structures is proposed in which concrete is considered a granular assembly. Because concrete is a complex, extremely heterogeneous material, it is difficult to analyze it's failure properties by the Finite Element Method (FEM) in which concrete is considered a homogeneous, continuous medium. We have developed a Modified Distinct Element Method (MDEM) that can be applied to the problems of fracture of concrete structures. In the MDEM the respective major constituents of concrete, gravel and mortar, are represented as circular particle elements and nonlinear springs, called pore-springs. We have used the MDEM to simulat ethe dynamic fracture behavior of concrete structures. The numerical results obtained are in good agreement with the seismic damage recorded during past earthquakes.