Numerical Study on Crack Dilatancy Part 2: Applications

Abstract

Discrete cracks have been modeled with interface elements in which the tractions are related to the relative displacements of the crack sides. Three stages in the cracking process can be distinguished: (1) The linear‐elastic state; (2) the development state in which a tension‐softening model is used; and (3) the open‐crack state, for which five different crack‐dilatancy models have been implemented. The predictions of these crack‐dilatancy models have been compared mutually as well as with available experimental data. The discrete‐crack elements have subsequently been used in an analysis of an experiment on crack dilatancy. Again, the results for the various crack‐dilatancy models are compared. Finally, a nonlinear analysis of a moderately deep shear‐critical beam is presented including aggregate‐interlock effects.