Size independent fracture energy evaluation for plain cement concrete.

The present work deals with the investigation of a robust analytical scheme to assess the size-independent fracture energy of concrete. The study involves the numerical modelling of three-point bend (TPB) concrete beams that are geometrically similar, having constant length to depth ratio with varying range of notch to depth (a/W) ratios. The unique nonlinear behaviour of concrete 1material is incorporated through fracture energy-based strain-softening model in the finite-element numerical simulation. The International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures (RILEM) fracture energy values are evaluated through numerical simulation of several set of experimentally observed load-load line displacement response. The RILEM fracture energy values associated with geometrically similar beams have been utilised to develop a methodology for assessment of the size-independent fracture energy of concrete. The numerically predicted and experimentally evaluated size-independent fracture energy using the RILEM fracture energy values are found to be in close agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]