Numerical Fracture Analysis of Foamed Concrete Beam Using XFEM Method

The paper presents results of numerical investigation of fracture behaviour of initially notched beams made of foamed concrete. Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) was used to simulate the damage and fracture process of the beams subjected to three-point bending. Subsequently, the numerical models were validated by a series of static loading tests. Numerical models simulate correctly the fracture behaviour of beams observed during testing. XFEM method and computer simulation technologies allow for reliable approximation of load–bearing capacity and damage mechanisms of beams made of foamed concrete, which provides some foundations for realistic structural applications.