Multiscale modelling of multiple-cracking tensile fracture behaviour of engineered cementitious composites

In this paper a hierarchical multiscale modelling method is proposed to analyse the strain-hardening and multiple-cracking tensile fracture behaviour of engineered cementitious composites. A simplified multi-linear crack bridging relationship is proposed at a lower mesoscale based on analytical crack bridging analysis for a single crack. A representative volume element model is developed at an upper mesoscale accounting for random fluctuations of internal material properties and sequentially occurred cracking, and it is analysed using the extended finite element method. The multiscale modelling method is validated, and the effect of fibre distribution uniformity on the tensile behaviour of ECC is investigated.