Computational modeling of cracking of concrete in strong discontinuity settings

The paper is devoted to present the Continuum Strong Discontinuity Approach (CSDA) and to examine its capabilities for modeling cracking of concrete. After introducing the main ingredients of the CSDA, an isotropic continuum damage model, which distinguishes tension and compression states, is used to implicitly induce a projected traction separation-law that rules the cracking phenomena. Criteria for onset and propagation of material failure and specific finite elements with embedded discontinuities are also briefly sketched. Finally, some representative numerical simulations of cracking, in plain and reinforced concrete specimens, using the CSDA are presented.Fil: Oliver, J.. Universidad Politecnica de Catalunya; EspañaFil: Huespe, Alfredo Edmundo. Universidad Politecnica de Catalunya; España. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Industria Química; ArgentinaFil: Pulido, M. D. G.. Universidad Politecnica de Catalunya; EspañaFil: Blanco, S.. Universidad Politecnica de Catalunya; Españ