Numerical Modelling of Foamed Concrete Beam under Flexural Using Traction-Separation Relationship

Abstract

The aim of the current project is to carry out the FEA framework for predicting the flexural strength of notched foam concrete tested under three-point bending following the conducted experimental set-up. The investigated testing series have a variation of notch size opening in the foamed concrete beam. The Tractionseparation relationship was used as a constitutive model to incorporate independent material properties and used in the modelling framework. Modelling techniques of 2D XFEM and CZM were adopted and later expanded to 3D XFEM models. Good agreement was found between the predicted structure response and experimental observation for all the investigated models. Crack was initiated at the crack tip and propagated to the beam edge under the applied load. It was found that the average discrepancies below 20% were found within XFEM techniques. Less agreement was found using the CZM models, partly due to the simplification of the adopted failure path. The modelling framework implemented in this project is potentially used as a predictive tool in estimating the flexural strength of the concrete beam with notches.

XFEM Modelling and Experimental Observations of Foam Concrete Beam Externally-Bonded with KFRP Sheet

“…Various modelling techniques can be incorporated with TSL, such as the extended finite element method (XFEM), virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) and cohesive zone model (CZM). A study by H. Ahmad et al, (2021) and Structures, 2022, 19(6), e460 3/12 bending foam concrete beam using XFEM and CZM method and found that XFEM performed better than the CZM in predicting the load capacity. While Yu et al, (2021) simulating beam nuclear graphite by using the XFEM, the CZM and the VCCT methods.…”