Prediction of cracking in concrete is required to estimate the load carrying capacity of reinforced concrete structures. Despite advances in the use of finite elements method in fracture mechanics, the ability to predict concrete cracking has remained somewhat limited. Generally, there are two approaches used to model concrete cracking; discrete cracking approach and smeared cracking approach. Brief description of the two approaches is given and their limitations are discussed by presenting analysis of a prestressed concrete pressure vessel (PCPV) and prestressed concrete containment vessel (PCCV). The PCPV example shows how the smeared crack approach has been used to predict the location, orientation and size of the initial crack. In addition it demonstrates how the discrete crack approach has been used to investigate crack propagation along pre-determined paths. The PCCV example illustrates application of the smeared crack approach with damaged elasticity to predict the limit load of the structure.

Contents

Modelling of Concrete Cracking
N K Prinja, V Katte, NNC Ltd

Numerical Predictions of Delamination Growth in Laminated Composite Structures: Techniques, Applications and Remaining Challenges
P Robinson, T Besant and D Hitching, Imperial College

The Use of Fracture Mechanics to Predict Pitting
Z Ren, University of Maribor

Prediction of Failure Using Local Approaches
M R Goldthorpe, Consultant

Determination of Constraint Corrected R-Curves Using the Finite Element Method
S Cheung and A R Luxmoore, University of Wales, Swansea

Computation of Growth and Intersection of Planar Cracks In Three Dimensions
W S Blackburn, University of Teeside

Fracture Assessment Using Small Punch Test Technology
T K Hellen, Chairman, Consultant