• Van Huyssteen, Daniel
• Chacón, Gabriel
• Etse, Guillermo
• Rivarola, Felipe Lopez
• Steinmann, Paul

Abstract

In this work, the efficacy and efficiency of a discretization technique based on virtual elements (VEs) and non-linear interface elements (IEs) are assessed for the modelling of representative boundary value problems (BVPs) of fracture processes in concrete components characterized by tortuous crack propagations. In particular, the efficiency of randomness in mesh refinement is evaluated for meshes comprising polyhedral VEs. The results demonstrate the limitations of structured meshes and the effectiveness of random polyhedral virtual meshes in modelling the tortuous propagation of cracks in concrete subjected to mode II fracture, or shear. It is concluded that random h refinement applied to polyhedral meshes allows a statistically accurate prediction of the crack path. In particular, the influence of random mesh generation is studied. The results demonstrate that the average predictions generated by a series of random coarse mesh perturbations of polyhedral elements are very accurate, particularly in terms of peak load and crack path. Finally, an adaptive refinement technique is discussed as a possible technique for efficient identification of the localization zones.

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• crack
• random
• infrared emission spectroscopy