Modeling inelastic‐anisotropic damage behavior of concrete considering lateral deformation

Although isotropic damage models are considered for a first approximation to simulate the deformation behavior of concrete, micro‐cracking of concrete occurring due to the sequential and multi‐directional loads necessitates an anisotropic description of damage for a reliable representation of damage in concrete. The present paper discusses modeling aspects of mechanical degradation behavior of concrete based on continuum damage theory. The model characterizes the distinct behavior of concrete in tension and compression using using multi‐loading surfaces. The principal strains govern the growth of damages in principal directions. The damage effect tensors are based on the principal tensile or compressive damages. Crack‐opening/closure effects and permanent strains are described through inelastic crack strains under tension and compression. The effect of tensile/compressive damage evolution on the Poisson's ratio is incorporated to capture large strains in the lateral directions during tension‐compression loadings. The numerical results of several test cases exhibit good agreement with experimental results.