Advanced numerical models for the analysis of sustainable frc structures

This chapter introduces some of the relevant modelling approaches that are being used to simulate the behaviour of cementitious materials reinforced with discrete fibres. The major part of these approaches were originally proposed for modelling non-fibrous reinforced cement based materials‚ therefore the main focus herein given is related to the aspects how fibre reinforcement mechanisms have been considered. These approaches were grouped in two classes‚ one where fibres are explicitly considered in the finite element mesh (FEMesh)‚ herein designated as Discrete Fibre Reinforcement Approaches (DFRAs). The other class is designated by smeared fibre reinforcement approaches (SFRAs)‚ where fibres are not part of the FEMesh and their contribution is basically considered attributing a constitutive law to the FRC that simulates the fibre reinforcement mechanisms in terms of the fracture modes of this composite material.