Finite element computations of anisotropic continuum damage in reinforced concrete

A coupled damage-plasticity concept for the modeling of reinforced concrete structures is presented. Concrete is considered in the framework of mixture theory as a composite consisting of cement matrix and aggregate. Anisotropic damage in the cement matrix and plasticity at the contact interface between cement matrix and aggregate describe the nonlinear constitutive behavior of concrete. Reinforcement is taken into account with three-dimensional rebar-elements. Damage at the interface between concrete and reinforcement is described within the framework of a microplane theory. The proposed concept is verified for some reinforced concrete structures. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.