A rotating smeared crack approach in Sequentially Linear Analysis using the Elastic-brittle fraction model

Sequentially Linear Analysis (SLA), an event-by-event solution strategy in which a sequence of scaled linear analyses with decreasing secant stiffness is performed, representing local damage increments; is a robust alternative to nonlinear finite element analysis of quasi-brittle structures. Since it is based on a fixed smeared crack...

Influences of Element Types on Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of a Concrete Column Under Near-Field Blast Loading

Due to the accompanying severe consequences of explosions, the blast puts a great threat to public security. Nonlinear finite element analysis is a possible method for civil engineers to check the integrity of the structures under blast loading without underestimating the limit of the structures. However, different choices of element types...

Quantification of the resistance modeling uncertainty of 19 alternative 2D nonlinear finite element approaches benchmarked against 101 experiments on reinforced concrete beams

Nineteen 2D nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) solution strategies were benchmarked against a wide variety of 101 experiments on reinforced concrete beams failing in bending, flexural shear, or shear compression. The relatively high number of solution strategies was motivated by the conviction that choices for the constitutive models,...

A multi-surface interface model for sequentially linear methods to analyse masonry structures

In the finite element modelling of masonry structures, the micro-modelling technique of differentiating the continuum into a linear elastic bulk, and interfaces representing non-linear joints is common. However, this approach of simulating cracking-crushing-shearing failure possibilities in interfaces, typical of damage in masonry, also poses...

Non-proportional loading in sequentially linear solution procedures for quasi-brittle fracture: A comparison and perspective on the mechanism of stress redistribution

Sequentially linear solution procedures provide a robust alternative to their traditional incremental-iterative counterparts for finite element simulation of quasi-brittle materials. Sequentially linear analysis (SLA), one such non-incremental (total) approach, has been extended to non-proportional loading situations in the past few years....

Two solution strategies to improve the computational performance of Sequentially Linear Analysis for quasi-brittle structures

Sequentially linear analysis (SLA), an event-by-event procedure for finite element (FE) simulation of quasi-brittle materials, is based on sequentially identifying a critical integration point in the FE model, to reduce its strength and stiffness, and the corresponding critical load multiplier (λ _crit), to scale the linear analysis...

Non-proportional loading in sequentially linear analysis for 3D stress states

Sequentially linear analysis (SLA), a non-incremental-iterative approach towards finite element simulation of quasi-brittle materials, is based on sequentially identifying a critical integration point in the model, to reduce its strength and stiffness, and the associated critical load multiplier (λ _crit ), to scale the linear...

Non-proportional loading for 3-D stress situations in Sequentially Linear Analysis

This article presents a new non-proportional loading strategy for Sequentially Linear Analysis (SLA), which is a robust secant stiffness based procedure for nonlinear finite element analysis of quasi-brittle materials, like concrete and masonry. The strategy is based on finding the principal planes for a total strain based fixed cracking model,...

Damage functions for the vulnerability assessment of masonry buildings subjected to tunneling

This paper describes a new framework for the assessment of potential damage caused by tunneling-induced settlement to surface masonry buildings. Finite element models in two and three dimensions, validated through comparison with experimental results and field observations, are used to investigate the main factors governing the structural...

C¹ - continuous crack propagation for mixed-mode fracture problems

3D numerical analysis of tunnelling induced damage: The influence of the alignment of a masonry building with the tunnel axis

The development of infrastructure in major cities often involves tunnelling, which can cause damage to existing structures. Therefore, these projects require a careful prediction of the risk of settlement induced damage. The simplified approach of current methods cannot account for three-dimensional structural aspects of buildings, which can...

A testing preocedure for the evaluation of directional mesh bias

This paper presents a dedicated numerical test that enables to assess the directional mesh bias of constitutive models in a systematic way. The test makes use of periodic boundary conditions, by which strain localization can be analyzed for different mesh alignments with preservation of mesh uniformity and with exclusion of boundary disturbances...

Photogrammetric measurements of the experimental analysis of a masonry façade subject to tunnelling-induced settlement

Vulnerability assessment of buildings subject to tunnel-induced settlements: The influence of orientation and position of the building

Modelling of bond behaviour by means of sequentially linear analysis and concrete-to-steel interface elements

Sequentially linear analysis of masonry structures under nonproportional loading

Circumventing bifurcations in structural softening

Coupled analysis of building damage due to tunneling

Excavation works in urban areas require a preliminary risk damage assessment. In historical cities, the prediction of building response to settlements is necessary to reduce the risk of damage of the architectural heritage. The current method used to predict the building damage due to ground deformations is the Limiting Tensile Strain Method ...