Continuum Damage Theory—Application to Concrete

Abstract

This paper presents a review of the different models for concrete based on continuum damage theory, formulated at the Laboratoire de Mécanique et Technologie (Cachan, France). Derived in the framework of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes, each formulation is based on physical observation. Induced anisotropy, ductile behavior, and directional effects such as the closure of cracks are discussed and adequate damage models are proposed. Finally, the numerical implementations performed give a good description of the failure process as well as an accurate prediction of the behavior of concrete and reinforced concrete structures.