Project Objectives

The main objective of this project is the development of high performance alternative finite element formulations for the physically non-linear analysis of concrete structures.

To model the fracture processes, two strategies will be adopted: a continuum approach, where fracture is treated as the process of accumulation and localization of damage and a discrete technique where a displacement discontinuity is directly introduced.

To explore the advantages of both approaches, a transition model will be implemented. In the first stage, a continuum damage model is used to describe the evolution of the mechanical properties of the continuum. Then, when the damage reaches a critical value, a cohesive crack is introduced in the direction of the localization band. In terms of training objectives, the project supports two new doctoral programs.

The involvement of external experts is important to complement the expertise of the research team in the implementation and validation of the new models.