Modeling and Analysis of Fractures in Concrete Beams Using DBEM and the BEMCracker2D Program

Resumo

In its remarkable progress, Fracture Mechanics, equipped with Computational Mechanics, explained
the huge lack of structural norms in the face of structural failures conceived in fragile materials, still allocated
under stresses below the design limit stress. Generally, such failures result from events ranging from structural
weaknesses to the occurrence of failure by the brittle fracture mechanism. In this context, this work is equipped
with concepts related to Fracture Mechanics, in particular, to Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics, LEFM, to
Boundary Element Method, BEM, and to Double Boundary Element Method, DBEM, and seeks to implement and
attest the BEMCRACKER2D software as an effective tool to predict the propagation of multiple critical shear
cracks in simple concrete elements, with the consent of discontinuities along their interfaces. As a methodology
for this finding, at first, the necessary adjustments will be made in the BEMLAB2D graphical interface so that it
is possible to model cracks with several segments. Subsequently, simulations of propagation of shear cracks in
plain concrete will be carried out, in which their results will be used to evaluate their respective Stress Intensity
Factors in light of Integral J, as well as the direction and propagation path obtained through software, in the
application of the Maximum Circumferential Stress criterion, MCS, and fatigue crack propagation, resulting in the
comparison with other works already consolidated in the application of predictive analysis of similar cases.