A path independent energy integral approach for analytical fracture strength of steel-concrete structures with an account of interface effects

In this work, an analytical model based on a control volume approach is developed for predicting fracture strength of steel-concrete (SC) structures with an account of SC interfaces. The approach is based on the Rice's path independent J-Integral to relate the interface level strain energy release rate (SERR) to interface traction and slip parameters. An expression for the Crack Tip Opening Displacement (CTOD) is derived with an account of plasticity effects and tension softening or hardening behavior at crack tips lying at the SC interfaces. Numerical simulations using ABAQUSTM are performed based on the analytical equation to predict fracture resistance of different test geometries with SC interfaces. Numerical approximations are shown to closely correspond to the experimental measurements.