A discrete strong discontinuity approach

In this paper, strong discontinuities are embedded in finite elements to describe fracture in quasi-brittle materials. A new formulation is presented in which global nodes are introduced along the crack path. The displacement jumps are transferred to the element nodes as a rigid body motion. This approach is compared to the discrete approach, in which interface elements are inserted to model discontinuities. The adopted embedded discontinuities and the interface elements share similar kinematics as well as the same numerical integration schemes. Thus, the present formulation is obtained within the framework of a discrete approach and this is why it is called the discrete strong discontinuity approach (DSDA). Numerical tests are considered, namely a shear band, a mode-I and a mixed-mode fracture examples and a failure test of a RC beam externally reinforced with a steel sheet. Results are compared with those obtained from analyses using interface elements and with experimental results. Finally, conclusions are drawn with respect to mesh independence and robustness of the method.