Enriched finite element representation of 2D multi-cracking and debonding in textile reinforced concrete

This paper presents an enriched finite element representation of crack bridges suitable for simulating the complex damage process of textile reinforced concrete. The heterogeneity of both the matrix and the reinforcement occurs at similar length scales of the material structure and demands for an improved accuracy to capture the relevant damage mechanisms. For this purpose, the eXtended Finite Element Method (X-FEM) is utilized by augmenting the finite elements with special functions reflecting the discontinuities both in the matrix displacement and in the slip between the matrix and the reinforcement. The approach is presented for the ID example of a tension bar with two interacting cracks. A second example demonstrates the modeling concept on the 2D analysis of shear zones with a detailed approximation of the local deformation fields in the crack bridge.