Sensitivity and uncertainty quantification of the cohesive crack model

Abstract The zero thickness, fracture mechanics inspired cohesive crack model has been widely used in its various formulations. The constitutive model being formulated in terms of about fourteen parameters, yet only few can be measured experimentally, and other must be estimated. This paper performs a sensitivity analysis to assess the relative importance of each of the parameters resulting in the model Tornado diagram. For the most sensitive parameters, uncertainty quantification is performed through Latin hypercube sampling to determine capacity and fragility curves. Finally, impact of correlation among the parameters is assessed. The study is conducted by performing pushover analysis of a simple interface element under mode I and II, and dynamic analysis of a dam with joint elements subjected to mixed-mode fracture. This investigation leads to a probabilistic-based safety assessment of structures which responses is primarily governed by cohesive cracking.