Layered model of crack growth in concrete beams in bending

Abstract Fracture properties of various types of concrete, like plain or fiber reinforced concrete are determined in 3-point bending experiments resulting in a force-displacement diagram. Standard properties of concrete are then determined using technical norms. However, post-peak behavior of concrete, including crack propagation, cannot be described using standard properties. Authors are developing nonlinear, stochastically based material model for concrete to describe post-peak concrete behavior together with crack propagation. One of the most desirable properties of the model is its suitability for later in-verse analysis and parameter determination. Model is based on moment – curvature (m-κ) relation and layered approach to discretization. In this work, we are presenting the basic properties of the model and its ability to capture the phenomena of interest (proof of concept).