Identification of Constitutive Relationships for Concrete Using Discrete and Finite Element Framework

Abstract

Considering different scales and phenomena, the models used to describe the cracked behavior of concrete cannot be of the same type. The aim of this contribution is to present different tools, used at their relevant physical scales as well as their mutual enhancement for a global structural approach. Such an issue is greatly emphasized when dealing with cyclic and dynamic loadings, involving complex stress paths. A discrete element model (DEM) is presented, introducing within an implicit framework, local nonlinear mechanisms such as brittle failure, contact, frictional sliding and scale effects can be taken into account. Such a local model will help one, through virtual testing procedures to express constitutive laws allowing for a refine description at the representative volume element (RVE) level of constitutive relationship based on coupled plasticity-damage models. Based on a structural case-study, the relevancy of the full analysis chain is presented.