Abstract:
In this paper a simple, but effective methodology to simulate opening mode fracture in high
performance fibre reinforced concrete is presented. To obtain the specific fracture energy of the
material, load-deflection curves from three point bending (TPB) experiments are extrapolated. The
proposed extrapolation technique is an adaptation of an approach originally developed for plain
concrete. The experimental part of the paper includes a size effect study on TPB specimens. The
post crack behaviour of the material is modelled using a cohesive softening function with crack tip
singularity. Numerical simulation of the experiments is performed by means of an embedded
discontinuity method. The simulation provides satisfactory predictions of the fracture behaviour of
the material and the size-effect observed in the experiments.
