Experimental verification of a constitutive model for concrete cracking

A constitutive model for concrete cracking, based on the smeared crack approach within the framework of the theory of plasticity, was verified by experiments on L-shaped structural members. The model is used for finite element ultimate load analyses of plain and reinforced concrete structures. The experimental investigations consisted of a series of L-shaped structural members, made of plain concrete and three series of reinforced L-shaped structural members with different layout of the reinforcement, which were loaded until failure. The comparison between experimental and computed results included the load at the initiation of cracking and the load-displacement curves in the pre- and post-peak regions. Additionally, the experimentally determined crack patterns were compared with the computed crack propagation and damage behaviour of the material.