Prediction of the fracture performance of defect-free steel bars for civil engineering applications using finite element simulation

The size of bars for civil engineering applications makes it impossible for traditional classical fracture mechanics to be employed to predict their fracture performance. This paper presents finite element simulations of the fracture performance of bars conducted with micromechanical fracture mechanics approach. Appropriate element size, orientation and aspect ratio were found to be essential for predicting the fracture shape of bars. It is demonstrated that finite element simulation with micromechanical-based phenomenological shear failure model can predict the fracture performance of defect-free bars and thus serves as an alternative to using non-standardised classical fracture mechanics specimens for bars’ fracture performance prediction.

► Phenomenological shear failure model predicts fracture performance of bar.
► The optimum element size to predict the fracture performance of bar is 0.0625 mm3.
► Element orientations influence bars fracture performance prediction.
► 2:1 Element aspect ratio is required for accurate bar’s fracture shape prediction.