An example of the verification and validation for non-linear finite element analysis of concrete

Abstract

This paper presents an example of the verification and validation (V&V) for non-linear finite element analysis of concrete beam with a single-edge notch subjected to three-point bending. The code verification is performed by estimating the energy absorbed to form the fracture surface on the basis of the fracture energy defined as the energy required to generate a unit crack surface. The calculation verification is carried out for demonstrating the low mesh-sensitivity of the computational model for crack propagation analysis. The uncertainty in the experimental and simulation outcomes is quantified by replicate tests and Monte Carlo simulation, respectively, and the computational model is validated by using the area metric defined as the area between the experimental and simulation cumulative distribution functions. Furthermore, a surrogate model based on the response surface methodology is examined for performing the Monte Carlo simulation with a low computational cost.