ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT A computational strategy to the cracking process is presented for the finite element analysis of planar and axisymmetric reinforced concrete structures under transient and impulsive loading conditions. A smeared crack formulation is proposed which is based on the fixed crack approach. The crack initiation is controlled by a new rate dependent strain criterion. The postcracking regime is governed by non-linear reversible formulations to model concrete tension softening as a function of concrete fracture energy, tensile strength, cracking strain and crack characteristic length. Crack shear is allowed to take place using a non-linear model dependent on the strain across the crack. Practical recommendations are made to some of the problems associated with the smearing approach. A new crack monitoring algorithm, as part of a comprehensive computer program FEABRS, is developed which follows the cracking behaviour with the time stepping scheme. The solution of some dynamic problems, with beam and circular slab elements, are presented and a comparison is made with results from other sources.
