Numerical evaluation of the rotating crack model

Abstract The paper discusses typical fracture mechanics problems which have been analyzed in order to evaluate the performance of the rotating crack model. The outcome indicates that the model is a promising tool for nonlinear analysis of concrete structures. For model-I cracking, the model is capable of simulating the whole range of size covered by limit analysis and linear elastic fracture mechanics, but when a slant mesh is used, a mesh bias is observed. For mixed-mode cracking, the model is capable of predicting the ultimate load for small concrete structures; the results of simulations for large concrete structures show a good coincidence with linear elastic fracture mechanics solutions.