Simulation of Shear Mode in Fracture Mechanics of Concrete Cold-Joint

This paper presents a model to simulate shear mode (mode II) of fracture mechanics in concrete cold-joint. The simulation is performed using nonlinear static analysis of materials and geometry. The specimens used for modeling are S-shaped specimens used in the push-off test. The specimens modeled in three situations with 2, 4, and 6 steel connectors and validated with the results of corresponding the experimental specimens. The results of the analysis show that the proposed method has a good ability to simulate the behavior of the shear mode of fracture mechanics in concrete cold-joint. The proposed simulation method can be useful to investigate the behavior of reinforced concrete frames with cold-joint and repair, retrofitting, and strengthening reinforced concrete structures.