Finite element macro-modeling approaches are widely used for the analysis of large-scale masonry structures. Despite their efficiency, they still face two important challenges: the realistic representation of damage and a reasonable independency of the numerical results to the used discretization. In this work, the classical smeared crack approach is enhanced with a crack-tracking algorithm, originating from the analysis of localized cracking in quasi-brittle materials. The proposed algorithm is for the first time applied to a large-scale wall exhibiting multiple shear and flexural cracking. Discussion covers structural aspects, as the response of the structure under different assumptions regarding the floor rigidity, but also numerical issues, commonly overlooked in the simulation of large structures, such the mesh-dependency of the numerical results.

This paper extends the use of crack-tracking techniques within the smeared crack approach for the numerical simulation of cohesive-frictional damage on quasi-brittle materials. The mechanical behaviour is described by an isotropic damage model with a Mohr-Coulomb failure surface. The correct crack propagation among the two alternative fracture planes proposed by the Mohr-Coulomb theory is selected with the use of an energy criterion based on the total elastic strain energy. The simulation of three benchmark problems of mixed-mode fracture in concrete demonstrates that the proposed methodology can reproduce the material's frictional characteristics, showing robustness, as well as mesh-size and mesh-bias independence. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft