An analytical study of the localized failure modes of concrete

Abstract

A theoretical framework for the analysis of localized failure in concrete is presented. The theory is predicated upon the assumption that discrete failure planes arise as a result of a process of localization of damage. The onset of localized modes is characterized as a bifurcation phenomenon whereby local neighborhoods of the material depart from near-uniform straining in favor of highly localized deformation patterns. Simple bifurcation techniques are discussed which suffice to detect when localization initiates and to determine the geometry of the localized deformation modes. Localization techniques are seen to provide a simple yet effective means of extending the range of applicability of traditional distributed damage models to situations of localized failure. Numerical calculations for biaxial stress paths exhibit a good overall agreement with experimental observations.

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