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Simple but also accurate models are needed to predict the failure response of concrete structures. Simplicity involves modelling assumptions while accuracy involves objectivity of both the experimentally identified model parameters and the numerica results. For concrete‐like heterogeneous and brittle materials, the modelling assumptions idealizing the material as a homogeneous continuum with classical linear or non‐linear behaviour, leads to some problems at the identification stage, namely the size effect phenomena. A continuum damage model, representing the non‐linear behaviour due to microcracking, is proposed here for predictive computations of structural responses. A Weibull based theory is used to determine, in a statistical sense, the value of the initial damage threshold. The essential influence of material heterogeneity on the damage evolution, is accounted for with a bi‐scale approach which is based on the idea of the non‐local continuum with local strain. It has already established that the non‐local approaches yield realistic failure predictions and the numerical results are convergent for subsequent mesh refinements. The applications presented here show the ability of the approach to predict the failure response of concrete structures without being obscured by size effect problems.

Simplified methods are often employed for the analysis of reinforced concrete beams (R‐C beams). A three‐dimensional problem (3D) is often transformed into a two‐dimensional problem (2D) with some assumptions which are usually established in static. The essential reason for this simplification lies in the fact that the 3D finite element analysis is so expensive that it is impossible to study directly the non‐linear behaviour of R‐C beams in many cases. Our purpose is to present a specific method which allows the direct 3D analysis of R‐C beams with a suitable numerical cost. First, the 3D linear heterogeneous beam theory is briefly recalled as well as the continuum damage model used for concrete. Second, the non‐linear behaviour of concrete is introduced in the 3D beam theory. Several numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the method.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the bond behaviour between fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets and concrete elements, starting from available experimental evidences, through a calibrated and upgraded 3D mathematical‐numerical model.

The complex mechanism of debonding/peeling failure of FRP reinforcement is studied within the context of damage mechanics to appropriately catch transversal effects and developing a more realistic and comprehensive study of the delamination process. The FE ABAQUS© code has been supplemented with a numerical procedure accounting for Mazars's damage law inside the contact algorithm.

It has been shown that such an approach is able to catch the delamination evolution during loading processes as well.

A Drucker‐Prager constitutive law is adopted for concrete whereas FRP elements are assumed to behave in a linear‐elastic manner, possibly undertaking large strains/displacements. Surface‐to‐surface contact conditions have been applied between FRP and adjacent concrete, including the enhancement given by the strain‐softening law according to Mazars' damage model. The procedure has been introduced to describe the coupled behaviour between concrete, FRP and adhesive resulting in specific bonding‐debonding features under different load levels.

In this paper, Isoparametric finite element formulations are derived for special elements for representing the steel‐concrete interface. Curved multi‐noded Isoparametric element for reinforcing steel idealization is proposed. In addition, special thin Isoparametric element in a form of a sheath is suggested in order to model the bond‐slip characteristics. Special provisions are taken into account to avoid numerical difficulties. The proposed elements are incorporated in non‐linear finite element program DMGPLSTS and applied to the problem of tension stiffening of reinforced concrete members. The results are noted to reflect a softer overall response attributable to the slip effect.

To provide a reinforced concrete model including bonding coupled to a classical continuum damage model of concrete, capable of predicting numerically the crack pattern distribution in a RC structure, subjected to traction forces.

A new coupling between bonding model and an alternative model for concrete cracking is proposed and analyzed. For concrete, proposes a damage‐like material model capable of combining two types of dissipative mechanisms: diffuse volume dissipation and localized surface dissipation.

One of the most important contributions is the capacity of predicting maximal and minimal spacing of macro‐cracks, even if the exact location of cracks remains undetermined. Another contribution is to reiterate on the insufficiency of the local damage model of concrete to handle this class of problems; much in the same manner as for localization problem which accompany strain‐softening behavior.

Bonding becomes very important to evaluate both the integrity and durability of a RC structure, or in particular to a reliable prediction of crack spacing and opening, and it should be integrated in future analysis of RC.

Shows that introduction of the influence of concrete heterogeneities in numerical analysis can directly affect the configuration of the crack pattern distribution. Use of a strong discontinuity approach provides additional cracking information like opening of macro‐cracks.

Knowledge of the behavior of concrete at mesoscale level requires, as a fundamental aspect, to characterize aggregates and specifically, their thermal properties if fire hazards (e.g. spalling) are accounted for. The assessment of aggregates performance (and, correspondingly, concrete materials made of aggregates, cement paste and ITZ – interfacial transition zone) is crucial for defining a realistic structural response as well as damage scenarios.

It is here assumed that concrete creep is associated to cement paste only and that creep obeys to the B3 model proposed by Bažant and Baweja since it shows good compatibility with experimental results and it is properly justified theoretically.

First, the three‐dimensionality of the geometric description of concrete at the meso‐level can be appreciated; then, creep of cement paste and ITZ allows to incorporate in the model the complex reality of creep, which is not only a matter of fluid flow and pressure dissipation but also the result of chemical‐physical reactions; again, the description of concrete as a composite material, in connection with porous media analysis, allows for understanding the hygro‐thermal and mechanical response of concrete, e.g. hygral barriers due to the presence of aggregates can be seen only at this modelling level. Finally, from the mechanical viewpoint, the remarkable damage peak effect arising from the inclusion of ITZ, if compared with the less pronounced peak when ITZ is disregarded from the analysis, is reported.

The fully coupled 3D F.E. code NEWCON3D has been adopted to perform fully coupled thermo‐hygro‐mechanical meso‐scale analyses of concrete characterized by aggregates of various types and various thermal properties. The 3D approach allows for differentiating each constituent (cement paste, aggregate and ITZ), even from the point of view of their rheologic behaviour. Additionally, model B3 has been upgraded by the calculation of the effective humidity state when evaluating drying creep, instead than using approximate expressions. Damage maps allows for defining an appropriate concrete mixture to withstand spalling and to characterize the coupled behaviour of ITZ as well.

The use of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics derived from shredded bottles in concrete is not formalized yet, especially in reinforced members such as beams and columns. The disposal of plastic wastes in concrete is a viable alternative to manage those wastes while minimizing the environmental impacts associated to recycling, carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption.

This paper evaluates the suitability of 2D deterministic and stochastic finite element (FE) modeling to predict the shear strength behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams without stirrups. Different concrete mixtures prepared with 1.5%–4.5% PET additions, by volume, are investigated.

Test results showed that the deterministic and stochastic FE approaches are accurate to assess the maximum load of RC beams at failure and corresponding midspan deflection. However, the crack patterns observed experimentally during the different stages of loading can only be reproduced using the stochastic FE approach. This later method accounts for the concrete heterogeneity due to PET additions, allowing a statistical simulation of the effect of mechanical properties (i.e. compressive strength, tensile strength and Young’s modulus) on the output FE parameters.

Data presented in this paper can be of interest to civil and structural engineers, aiming to predict the failure mechanisms of RC beams containing plastic wastes, while minimizing the experimental time and resources needed to estimate the variability effect of concrete properties on the performance of such structures.

To provide an efficient and robust constitutive equations for concrete ion application to high rate dynamics.

Develops an explicit‐implicit integration scheme for a concrete model. This robust integration scheme ensures computational efficiency. Comparison between simulations of impact of equivalent aircraft engine projectiles and the tests carried out in Sandia laboratory also demonstrate its efficiency.

Shows that modeling transient high rate dynamic behavior of concrete is very important to take into account for design concrete structures in the cases of dynamic loading conditions, such as an impact on the structure.

Proposes an original integration scheme for a coupled rate dependent damage plasticity model. Also provides a detailed consideration of the numerical stability of this kind of scheme for rate‐dependent damage model.

To provide an insight in one relatively simple and efficient numerical model for analysing reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, and to raise a discussion leading to the creation of one universal and robust 3D algorithm.

A new numerical model for analysing reinforced and prestressed concrete structures is developed and main theoretical details are described to aid the understandings. The approach is clear, easily readable and the body of the text is divided into logical sections starting from theoretical explanations ending in the large number of different practical examples.

Provides information about developing new and relatively simple numerical model for analysing reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, indicating what can be improved. Recognises the lack of knowing real behaviour of 3D concrete and starts a discussion on it.

The knowledge of the 2D and especially 3D concrete behaviour is still poor and the concrete model developers use many simplifications. So, many new experiments should be performed and better numerical models should be developed. There is large area for researchers but having in mind that experiments are very expensive.

Obtained results of the 3D analysis of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures can stand as a benchmark for future researches in this field especially to the young researchers and concrete model developers.

This paper presents new and very simple numerical model for analysing reinforced and prestressed concrete structures. Paper could be very valuable to the researchers in this field as a benchmark for their analyses.

This paper aims to investigates the effect of normative expectations in the purchase process on consumers’ value perceptions for prosocial products (e.g. environmentally friendly products) relative to conventional non-prosocial products. It extends the literature on both prosocial products and regulatory fit.

Five factorial experiments are employed, testing diverse samples, including Dutch university students and American online panel participants from the general population.

Findings show that regulatory fit between the prosocial product orientation and an emphasis on normative expectations in the purchase process (termed prosocial process fit) increases perceptions of prosocial product value (relative to conventional products). This effect is mediated by engagement.

The current research is limited to investigating how value perceptions of prosocial products can be increased (i.e. through prosocial process fit). Future research is warranted that analogously considers conditions that would increase value for non-prosocial products as well (e.g. by creating a fit with a non-prosocial process).

The research shows how prosocial manufacturers and retailers can redesign the purchase process to increase customers’ engagement, perceptions of prosocial product value and prosocial product purchase.

This work serves to explain differences in consumers’ value perceptions for prosocial products. Hence, it shows how socially responsible consumption can be better supported in society.

This work demonstrates a new kind of regulatory fit based on fit between prosocial products and normative expectations in the purchase process (i.e. moving beyond the types of regulatory fit previously examined in this context, such as with fit between regulatory focus orientation and goal pursuit). The authors use this to provide a much needed explanation for the heterogeneity in the literature regarding the value that consumers experience for prosocial products relative to conventional ones.