A rational framework for damage analyses of concrete shells

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a numerical framework for nonlinear analyzes of concrete shells experiencing damage during their lifetime. Three major topics able to affect the accuracy of structural simulations are discussed—namely, the formulation of adequate finite elements that describe shell geometry, boundary, and load conditions—as well as deformations in presence of cracks with a high accuracy, the development of realistic material models, and the estimation of discretization errors. Among various factors affecting structural lifetime, mechanical damage associated with concrete cracking plays an essential role. The finite-element simulation is performed by use of a continuum-based and surface-oriented shell element. Such shell elements admit a realistic simulation of geometrical discontinuities as well as the definition of single loads and kinematic constraints. Furthermore, they allow an easy implementation of general three–dimensional constitutive laws.