Acomputational approach for three-dimensional probabilistic discrete cracking in concrete

This work presents a probabilistic crack approach based on the Monte Carlo method, implemented in a 3D fully parallelized finite element code ( Paz, 2000 ). The cracking scheme used is the discrete crack approach. In this approach the heterogeneity of the material is taken into account by considering the properties to vary spatially following a normal distribution determined by the mean and the standard deviation of the considered material properties. Fracturing is modeled by 3D interface elements generated in a previously defined region within the mesh ( Paz 2000 ). The interface elements are triangular base prisms connecting adjacent faces of neighboring tetrahedra. These elements simulate crack opening through relative displacements between the triangular faces.