Abstract
In this study, discrete crack formulation for cracking in concrete was proposed and its fundamental characteristics was investigated. Crack was expressed as the isoparametric quadratic linear element and it was modeled by the contact element between concrete elements. A crack element was inserted at the point, where the maximum principal tensile stress occurred, and to the direction perpendicular to it. The proposed crack element was distinguished by the tension softening curve and the fracture energy, which were based on the non-linear relationship between transferring stress and crack opening. The analytical study on a plain concrete beam was carried out. The crack propagation analysis of a plain concrete beam was carried out by the use of the finite element method.
