Adaptivity in computational mechanics of concrete structures

The paper contains a report on the development of an adaptive finite element (FE) calculation scheme for the analysis of concrete structures with special emphasis on softening in consequence of cracking. For the description of the material behavior of concrete, a multi‐surface plasticity model is employed. The opening of cracks is controlled by means of the so‐called fictitious crack concept . Difficulties arising from this concept when employed in error‐controlled adaptivity are discussed in detail. As a remedy, the consideration of mesh alignment during the design of the new mesh is proposed. The usefulness of the developed adaptive calculation scheme is demonstrated by means of two example problems. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.