Experimental analysis and mathematical modeling of fracture in RC elements with any aspect ratio

[Display omitted] ► It is proposed a model for RC elements of arbitrary aspect ratio. ► The model is based on concepts of classic fracture and continuum damage mechanics. ► The model considers independent variables that measure the degree of shear and flexural damage separately. ► Experimental analyses with digital image correlation technique are presented. In this paper, it is proposed a new model of the behavior of elements of arbitrary aspect ratio. The model allows for the analysis of large and complex structures and it is based on concepts of classic fracture mechanics and continuum damage mechanics. The model considers independent variables that measure the degree of shear and flexural damage separately. This paper also presents an experimental analysis of the behavior of RC elements with the use of digital image correlation technique which allows for the classification and quantification of the different failure mechanisms in a much better way than the classic procedures.