A Finite Element Approach to the Mӧhr- Coulomb and Kupfer-Hilsdorf-Rusch Concrete Failure Criteria in Tension

Abstract

Over the years, the failure envelope of plain
concrete has been studied and constructed by various
researchers. Since concrete is a non-homogeneous material, its
behavior under bi-axial stresses is not as straight forward as
steel. Also, the assumption that concrete exhibits an isotropic
behavior under loading is not completely true since the failure
mode due to tension and compression differs significantly. This
research work looked into the correctness of the two most known
failure criteria; the Mӧhr-Coulomb (MC) and the Kupfer-
Hilsdorf-Rusch (KHR) envelope. In reaching the goal, a Finite
Element Model (FEM) was constructed, and a plain concrete
beam subjected to flexure was run through the program for a
range of concrete compressions strengths. To validate the FEM
program, the resulting load-displacement curves were calibrated
to experimentally tested specimens. The load-displacement
response and the stress-strain behavior at the beam’s center-line
up till failure, was recorded for analyze purposes. This research
work was conducted at the Structural and Material Laboratory,
Diponegoro University in Semarang, Indonesia.