Mixed-mode fracture and anchor bolts in concrete analysis with inner softening bands

The paper presents a nonlinear fracture mechanics analysis of mixed-mode fracture and anchor pullout in concrete. The analysis is based on elements with inner softening bands (ISB). A major advantage of the ISB approach is that discrete cracks can be introduced anywhere and in any direction within the finite-element mesh. Calculated loads, deformations, and crack patterns are compared to experimental results. A good correspondence is achieved.