Nonlinear Analysis of RC Structures Using Isotropic Damage Model

Abstract

This article proposes a simple isotropic damage model within damage mechanics framework to represent the behavior of concrete in tension. Macroscopic evolution of tensile crack is considered as damage and is mathematically defined using an exponential function of tensile strain. A damage evolution law is formulated by applying strain equivalence principle to hyperbolic tension-softening curve. Value of damage variable is assumed theoretically to vary between ‘0’ and ‘1’ to denote uncracked and ruptured states, respectively. A smeared rotating crack model is coupled with damage formulation to simulate crack propagation effects in nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Many deficiencies of smeared crack model such as stress locking, mesh-induced directional bias, and instability in response computation for near-ultimate load are overcome using the coupled model. To verify the proposed model, nonlinear static response behavior of a RC beam is computed and compared with experimental and analytical results reported in literature. Effectiveness and applicability of the model to analyze practical structures are proved by analyzing a RC chimney. Nonlinear response of RC chimney is reviewed at global level while damage states of finite elements are studied at local level.