Crack propagation in Portland cement concrete: combining dimensional analysis and finite elements

For the analytical simulation of crack propagation using the Fictitious Crack Model, simply supported concrete beams and pavement slabs resting on a Winkler foundation are examined. The load versus load line deflection and load versus crack mouth opening displacement relationships are reproduced past the elastic limit, to failure. At first, finite element package GTSTRUDL is used to generate the flexibility matrix pertaining to the linear elastic aspects of structural response, whereas fracture in accordance with the Fictitious Crack Model is examined using CRACKIT, an iterative FORTRAN program coded during this study. The robustness of the GTSTRUDL/CRACKIT combination is verified by reproducing results obtained by independent investigators and reported in the literature. Subsequently, commercial finite element code ABAQUS is used to verify our findings through a standalone procedure. The versatility of the approach developed aids us in generating additional analytical data for various specimen sizes and fracture parameters. Such data are interpreted herein using the principles of dimensional analysis in an effort to identify relationships that may ultimately lead to unraveling the specimen-size effect and its relationship to the fracture behavior of concrete pavement structures. A new parameter that influences significantly the propagation of cracks and incorporates specimen size and geometry is identified, while additional important observations are noted.

• Authors:
  • Ioannides, A M
  • Peng, J
  • Sengupta, S
• Conference:
  • International Conference on Highway Pavement Data, Analysis and Mechanistic Design Applications, 2003, Columbus, Ohio, USA
• Publication Date: 2003

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 271-9
• Monograph Title: Proceedings of the International Conference on Highway Pavement Data, Analysis and Mechanistic Design Applications, September 7-10 2003, Columbus, Ohio: volume 2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer programs; Concrete pavements; Cracking; Data analysis; Finite element method; Mathematical models; Pavements; Tests for suitability, service and quality
• ATRI Terms: Computer program; Concrete pavement; Cracking; Data analysis; Finite element method; Modelling; Pavement testing
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01390916
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 23 2012 5:08AM