Selection of appropriate concrete model in numerical calculation

Modelling of composite and reinforced concrete structures requires very precise determination of material parameters and constitutive relations between strain and stress. Erroneous selection of the dependencies and incorrect modelling, in particular, of the performance of concrete in tension may generate results in finite element method programs, that are far from the results obtained in an experiment. Using the example of a concrete damage plasticity model, based on fracture mechanics, this paper describes the physical interpretation and the method of the selection of parameters necessary for the appropriate modelling of concrete in a complex stress state. The correctness of the assumed description of concrete was verified on the basis of results of laboratory tests. A comparative analysis of the experimental and numerical results showed that the application of the concrete damage plasticity model allowed correct determination of the concrete element damage mechanisms for each level of strain.