Application of Principles of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics for Concrete Structures: A Numerical Study

摘要

Fracture mechanical studies have become a vital aspect of the design of concrete structures. This work aims to analyse/validate the size-effect of structural components in light of principles of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM). Various models of a quasi-brittle material with different geometries have been analysed for Stress Intensity Factors (SIF) using Abaqus/CAE: a finite element analysis software. The effect of crack-to-depth ratio, span-to-depth ratio and specimen size on SIF values have been studied. Also, the variation in SIF values with respect to changing the position of concentrated load application and initial notch on the specimen have been studied. It is found that for a particular notch-to-depth ratio, the SIF increases with a decrease in specimen size. Also, at a constant span-to-depth ratio, SIF increases with increase in the notch-to-depth ratio.