Sequentially linear modelling of strain softening materials

Jan G. Rots, S. Invernizzi*

* Politecnico di Torino, Dipartimento di Ingegneria Strutturale e Geotecnica,
Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino.
e-mail: stefano.invernizzi@polito.it

ABSTRACT FOR AIMETA 2003

Researchers in the field of nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete and masonry structures have to
admit that numerical instability and divergence of the incremental-iterative procedure is a major
problem, or even frustration. One source of the problems is that cracks in larger-scale structures are
accompanied by dips, jumps or snap-backs in the load-displacement response. This behavior is
typical of large-scale unreinforced structures (e.g. masonry facades) where the amount of elastic
energy stored in the structure is large compared to the fracture energy consumed in crack or crush
propagation, but also of reinforced structures (e.g. tension-pull specimen or RC beams) where each
primary crack gives a release or drop followed by a new ascending portion in the load displacement
curve. Here, users have to resort to arc-length or indirect control schemes which is cumbersome and
often inadequate when the peaks are irregular or when the snap-back are sharp.
To solve that problem of snaps and jumps, research was started one year ago on a sequentially linear
continuum model [1] whereby the nonlinear response is captured via a series of sequentially linear
steps. The model approximates the softening stress-strain curve as a saw-tooth diagram. After a linear
analysis, the critical element, i.e. the element for which the stress is most close to the current peak in
the saw-tooth diagram, is traced. Next, the stiffness of that element is reduced and the process is
repeated. The sequence of critical states governs the global load-displacement response, while
elements with reduced stiffness reveal softened areas. In fact, the elements are removed in a stepwise
manner. The advantage is that there is no such thing as ‘negative incremental stiffness’, as the secant
linear (saw-tooth) stiffness is always positive. The analysis always ‘converges’.
In this paper the sequentially linear saw-tooth softening model is extended on the following aspects:
− Mesh size objectivity. To achieve mesh independent results, both the ultimate strain as well as
the peaks of the saw-teeth have been adjusted to the element dimensions. The scaling rules are
rationalized and will be shown to be successful. As examples, notched specimens are discussed.
− Extension to interface elements. The saw-tooth model has been implemented for interface
elements, in addition to the original implementation for continuum elements.
− Extension to compression and shear. The saw-tooth model has been extended to cover also the
compression softening domain and the shear slipping domain, in addition to the tensile domain.
A shear wall, where both cracking, crushing and slipping occurs, is taken as an example to
demonstrate the potential.
[1] J.G. Rots, “Sequentially linear continuum model for concrete fracture”, Fracture Mechanics of
Concrete Structures, Eds. R. de Borst, J. Mazars, G. Pijaudier-Cabot, J.G.M. van Mier,
Balkema, Lisse, The Netherlands, pp. 831-839 (2001).

Fig. 1. Examples of load-displacement response from sequentially linear continuum model.

(a) Notched beam, (b) large-scale masonry façade; snap-backs automatically emerge.