CRACK PROPAGATION ANALYSIS USING FRACTURE MECHANICS

AND FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

In the field of civil engineering, research on crack study in concretes is very

essential. This paper explains the new methodology to study crack growth and formation
using fracture mechanics in concrete. Its going to use both fracture mechanics and finite
elements to study effectively about cracks in concrete beams (Reinforced and
unreinforced). A method is presented in which fracture mechanics is introduced into
finite element analysis by means of a model where stresses are assumed to act across a
crack as long as it is narrowly opened. Crack propagation study is very essential in
reinforced and unreinforced beams. An important function of the proposed method is that
it explains not only the growth of existing cracks, but also the new cracks formation, as it
is assumed that cracks start forming when the tensile stress reaches. Using this method a
coarse mesh can predict even complicated crack growth. This method assumed to be with
crack in open condition to predict better propagation. The proposed method with
combination of fracture mechanics along finite elements analysis produces very realistic
results even with coarse elements. This method can be widely used in all type of concrete
beam application to study crack history effectively.