Beam-particle approach to model cracking and energy dissipation in concrete: Identification strategy and validation

This paper focuses on the application of a beam-particle model to study the failure of concrete under complex loading. The formulation of the model is based both on lattice models and discrete elements models in order to capture cohesion, failure and frictional contact of the crack surfaces. To correctly describe the elastic phase, the peak load and the post-peak phase, the failure criteria is discussed and heterogeneities are introduced. The calibration of this model is detailed and illustrated. Finally, several test cases are analysed in order to validate the model.