Concrete and Rock Materials

In Radioss these materials can be used to represent rock or concrete materials.

These materials use a Drücker–Prager yield criterion1, which is a pressure-dependent model for determining whether a material has failed or undergone plastic yielding.

Concrete Material (/MAT/LAW10 and /MAT/LAW21)

Drücker-Prager Yield Criteria

The material has failed or undergone plastic yielding is determined by pressure using:(1) F=J2J2part(A0+A1P+A2P2)I1partF=J2J2part(A0+A1P+A2P2)I1part
Where,
J2J2
Second stress invariant (von Mises stress) of the deviatoric part of the stress and P=I13P=I13.
I1I1
First stress invariant (hydrostatic pressure).
I1=σ1+σ2+σ3=3PI1=σ1+σ2+σ3=3P
J2=16[(σ1σ2)2+(σ2σ3)2+(σ3σ1)2]=13σVM2J2=16[(σ1σ2)2+(σ2σ3)2+(σ3σ1)2]=13σVM2
In a uniaxial test.


Figure 1. Drücker-Prager yield criteria
A polynomial equation is used to describe the pressure A0+A1P+A2P2A0+A1P+A2P2 at the Drücker-Prager yield surface of the material: (2) σVM=3(A0+A1P+A2P2)σVM=3(A0+A1P+A2P2)
The constants of the polynomial A0,A1,A2A0,A1,A2 are determined by:
  • If F<0F<0, J2<A0+A1P+A2P2J2<A0+A1P+A2P2 the material is under yield surface and is in the elastic region.
  • If F=0F=0, J2=A0+A1P+A2P2J2=A0+A1P+A2P2 and the material is at the yield surface.
  • If F>0F>0, J2>A0+A1P+A2P2J2>A0+A1P+A2P2 and the material is past the yield surface and has failed.
  • If A1=A2=0A1=A2=0, σVM=3J2=3A0σVM=3J2=3A0, which is the von Mises criterion.


    Figure 2.

Pressure Computation

In LAW10, a polynomial equation with input parameters C0,C1,C2,C3C0,C1,C2,C3 is used to describe the pressure. The pressure can be plotted as a function of volumetric strain.(3) μ=ρρ01μ=ρρ01
  • If Pext=0Pext=0, the pressure is P=ΔPP=ΔP and the pressure limit is Pmin=ΔPminPmin=ΔPmin.


    Figure 3. Pressure curve without external pressure
  • If Pext0Pext0, the pressure is shifted by PextPext, then P=Pext+ΔPP=Pext+ΔP and the pressure limit is Pmin=Pext+ΔPminPmin=Pext+ΔPmin.


    Figure 4. Pressure curve with external pressure
Here, (4) ΔP={max{ΔPmin,C0+C1μ+C2μ2+C3μ3}max{ΔPmin,C0+C1μ}ifμ0compressionifμ<0tractionΔP={max{ΔPmin,C0+C1μ+C2μ2+C3μ3}max{ΔPmin,C0+C1μ}ifμ0compressionifμ<0traction
  • In traction or tension the pressure is linear and limited by ΔPminΔPmin.
  • In compression the pressure is nonlinear also limited by ΔPminΔPmin.

The only difference between the material laws is that in LAW10 the material constants C0,C1,C2,C3C0,C1,C2,C3 are used to describe the pressure versus volumetric strain (PμPμ curve). In LAW21 you can describe this curve via function input fct_IDf.

Load and Unload

In LAW10 and LAW21 different loading and unloading paths of the PμPμ curve can be considered by using the parameters μmaxμmax and B.
  • In Tension (μ<0μ<0)
    • For LAW10, linear loading and unloading with P=C1μP=C1μ (Figure 3).
    • For LAW21, loading is defined using the input function fct_IDf and linear unloading with P=KtμP=Ktμ.
  • In Compression (μ>0μ>0), for both LAW10 and LAW21:
    • If neither B and μmaxμmax are defined, the loading and unloading path are identical.


      Figure 5. Identical loading and unloading for LAW10 and LAW21
    • If either B or μmaxμmax is defined:
      1. If only B is defined, μmaxμmax is the volumetric strain where the tangent of PμPμ curve is equal to B with B=dPdμ|μmaxB=dPdμμmax.
      2. If only μmaxμmax is defined, then B is the tangent of PμPμ curve at μmaxμmax. The loading and unloading in compression is:
        • If μ>μmaxμ>μmax, loading and unloading path are identical.
        • If μ<μmaxμ<μmax, loading and unloading path are different, it is linear unloading with slope B.


          Figure 6. Different loading and unloading treatment for LAW10 and LAW21

Concrete Material (/MAT/LAW24)

LAW24 uses a Drücker-Prager criteria with or without a cap in yield to model a reinforced concrete material. This material law assumes that the two failure mechanisms of the concrete material are tensile cracking and compressive crushing.

Concrete Tensile Behavior

In LAW24, the options Ht, Dsup, and εmaxεmax can be used to describe tensile cracking and failure in tension.


Figure 7. LAW24 Tensile Loading

In the initial very small elastic phase, the material has an elastic modulus Ec.

Once tensile strength, ft is reached, the concrete starts to soften with the slope Ht. The maximum damage factor, Dsup, is significant because it enables the modeling of residual stiffness during and after a crack.


Figure 8. Maximum Damage Factor Effects
The residual stiffness is computed as:(5) E=(1Dsup)EcE=(1Dsup)Ec

When there is crack closure, the concrete becomes elastic again, and the damage factor (for each direction) is conserved.

The bearing capacity of concrete in tensile is much lower than in compression. It is normally considered elastic when in tension.

It is recommended to choose a Dsup value close to 1 (default is 0.99999) in order to minimize the current stiffness at the end of the damage and consequently avoid residual stress in tension, which can become very high if the element is highly deformed due to tension. This will happen if the force causing the damage remains.

It is possible to adjust the Dsup (and Ht) in order to simulate and fit the behavior of concrete reinforced by fibers. The concrete material fails once it reaches the total failure strain εmaxεmax.

Concrete Yield Surface in Compression

For concrete, the yield surface is the beginning of the plastic hardening zone which is between the failure surface, rfrf, and the yield surface.

The yield surface is assumed to be the same as the failure surface in the tension zone. In compression, the yield surface is a scaled down failure surface using the factor k(σm,k0)k(σm,k0). The yield in LAW24 for concrete is:(6) f=rJ2partk(σm,k0)rfI1part=0f=rJ2partk(σm,k0)rfI1part=0
  • For Icap =0 or 1 (without a cap in yield) the yield curve is:


    Figure 9. Drücker-Prager Criteria without a Cap in Yield
  • For Icap =2 (with cap in yield) the yield is:


    Figure 10. Drücker-Prager Criteria with Cap in Yield
    r<k(σm,k0)rfr<k(σm,k0)rf (green area in Figure 10)
    The material is under yield in the elastic phase.
    rrfrrf (red area in Figure 10)
    The material has failed.
    k(σm,k0)rf<r<rfk(σm,k0)rf<r<rf (yellow area in Figure 10)
    The material is above yield and below the failure surface which is the plastic hardening phase.

The input parameter ρtρt is the hydrostatic failure pressure in a uniaxial tension test and ρcρc is the hydrostatic pressure by failure in a uniaxial compression test.

The scale factor k(σm,k0)k(σm,k0) is a function of mean stress σmσm and can be described as:
  • When σmρtσmρt (in tension) the scale factor k(σm,k0)=1k(σm,k0)=1. In this case, the yield surface equals the failure surface, r=rfr=rf.


    Figure 11. kk Function in the Tension Zone
  • In the tension-compression region, ρt>σmρcρt>σmρc, then
    k(σm,k0)=1+(1k0)[ρt(2ρcρt)2ρcσm+σm2](ρcρt)2k(σm,k0)=1+(1k0)[ρt(2ρcρt)2ρcσm+σm2](ρcρt)2 with kyk01kyk01


    Figure 12. kk Function in the Compression-Tension Mixed Zone
  • The rest of the curve depends on the Icap option and the different scale factors k(σm,k0)k(σm,k0) used.
    • For Icap =0 or 1 and σm<ρcσm<ρc (in compression), then k(σm,k0)=kyk(σm,k0)=ky


      Figure 13. kk Function in the Compression Zone
    • For Icap =2 (with cap in yield) and ρc<σm<fkρc<σm<fk (in compression), then k(σm,k0)=kyk(σm,k0)=ky


      Figure 14. kk Function in Drücker-Prager Criteria without a Cap
    • In fk<σm<f0fk<σm<f0 (in cap zone)
      k(σm,k0)=k0[1(σmfkf0fk)2]k(σm,k0)=k0[1(σmfkf0fk)2] with 0k0ky0k0ky


      Figure 15. kk Function in Drücker-Prager Criteria with a Cap

The material constant kyky should be 0ky10ky1. A higher value of kyky results in a higher yield surface.

For example, if Icap =2 (yield with cap), the difference of yield surface between ky=0.8ky=0.8 and ky=0.6ky=0.6 (Figure 16). The default value of kyky in LAW24 is 0.5.


Figure 16. Affect of Different kk Function Values


Figure 17. Drücker-Prager Criteria with Different kk Function Values

Concrete Plastic Flow Rule in Compression

A non-associated plastic flow rule is used in LAW24. The plastic flow rule is:(7) g=αI1+J2g=αI1+J2
Where,
αα
Plastic dilatancy.
α=gI1α=gI1
Governs the volumetric plastic flow.
I1I1
First stress invariant (hydrostatic pressure).
Experimentally, αα is a linear function of k0k0:(8) α=(1k0)αy+(k0Ky)αf1Kyα=(1k0)αy+(k0Ky)αf1Ky
If k0=Kyk0=Ky
then, α=αyα=αy which means the material is in yield.
If k0<Kyk0<Ky
then, αα becomes negative is the cap region.
If k0=1k0=1
then, α=αfα=αf which means the material has failed.

The values of αy, αfαy, αf are used to describe the material beyond yield, but before failure. It is recommended to use -0.2 and -0.1 for αy, αfαy, αf in LAW24. If very small values of αy, αfαy, αf are used, there is no volumetric plasticity (no cap region).

Concrete Crushing Failure in Compression

Failure surface is given by: (9) f=rrf(σm,θ)=0f=rrf(σm,θ)=0
Where, r=2J2/fcr=2J2/fc, σm=I1/3fcσm=I1/3fc and θθ is Lode angle, such as:(10) cos3θ=J32(3J2)3/2cos3θ=J32(3J2)3/2
An Ottosen surface is built to design this surface using: (11) rf(σm,θ)=1a(b+b2a(σmc))rf(σm,θ)=1a(b+b2a(σmc))
Where, aa, bcbc, btbt and cc are 4 values which shape the surface and (12) b(bc,bt,θ)=12[bc(1cos3θ)+bt(1+cos3θ)]b(bc,bt,θ)=12[bc(1cos3θ)+bt(1+cos3θ)]
For concrete, the compression failure curve rfrf can be defined with a strength of:
ftft
Uniaxial tension (triaxiality is 1/3)
fcfc
Uniaxial compression (triaxiality is -1/3)
fbfb
Biaxial compression (triaxiality is -2/3)
f2f2
Confined compression strength (tri-axial test)
s0s0
Under confined pressure
The best way to fully determine the 3D failure envelope is to get experimental data for all of these values, fc,ft,fb,f2,s0fc,ft,fb,f2,s0 which are schematically illustrated in Figure 18.


Figure 18. Failure Parameters that Fully Determine 3D Failure Envelope
Table 1. Input from the 4 Experimental Tests
Load Type Surface Point Default Input Criteria rr Pressure σmσm Lode Angle θθ
Compression (fc,0,0)(fc,0,0) Mandatory r=2/3r=2/3 σm=1/3σm=1/3 cosθ=1cosθ=1
Direct Tensile (ft,0,0)(ft,0,0) ft=0.1fcft=0.1fc r=2/3(ftfc)r=2/3(ftfc) σm=1/3(ftfc)σm=1/3(ftfc) cosθ=1cosθ=1
Biaxial Compression (f2,s0,s0)(f2,s0,s0) If Icap = 1 f2=4.0fcf2=4.0fc

If Icap = 2 f2=7.0fcf2=7.0fc

s0=1.25fcs0=1.25fc

r=2/3(ftfc)σmr=2/3(ftfc)σm σm=2/3(ftfc)σm=2/3(ftfc) cosθ=1cosθ=1
Compression Strength under Confinement Pressure (fb,fb,0)(fb,fb,0) fb=1.2fcfb=1.2fc r=2/3f2s0fcr=2/3f2s0fc σm=f2+2s03fcσm=f2+2s03fc cosθ=1cosθ=1
Figure 19 and Figure 20 show the points that determine the failure surface.


Figure 19. Trace of failure surface with planar stress plane


Figure 20. Failure trace with several cut plan which are normal to the hydrostatic axis
From these plots that the failure envelope is not a convex surface. Figure 21 shows this behavior.


Figure 21. Influence of the biaxial compressive strength value with all other characteristic failure points fixed


Figure 22. Influence of the compressive strength value with all other characteristic failure points fixed


Figure 23. Influence of the tensile strength value with all other characteristic failure points fixed
In this particular case, the compressive strength is changing but all other ratios are fixed ftfc, fbfc, f2fcs0fcft/fc, fb/fc, f2/fcs0/fc. This leads to an envelope scaling, as shown in Figure 24.


Figure 24. Influence of compressive strength value. All other ratios are fixed.
Here with same strength in LAW24, but different confined compression strength f2f2.


Figure 25. Failure envelope on the plane stress surface influenced by the triaxial failure point (σ1,σ2,σ3)=(f2,s0,s0)(σ1,σ2,σ3)=(f2,s0,s0)
fcfc and the ratios ftfc, and fbfcft/fc, and fb/fc in the rσmrσm space (used to define the concrete failure) are:


Figure 26. Different tests (uniaxial tension, uniaxial compression, and biaxial compression) to determine failure curve

Where the failure curve is defined using r=2J2=23σVMr=2J2=23σVM and σm=I13σm=I13 is the mean stress (pressure), then I1I1 and J2J2 are the first and second stress invariants.

The material fails once it reaches the failure curve rfrf.

Concrete Reinforcement

In Radioss there are two different ways to simulate the reinforcement in concrete.
  • One way is to use beam or truss elements and connect them to the concrete with kinematic conditions.
  • Another way is to use the parameters in LAW24 along with the orthotropic solid property /PROP/TYPE6 to define the reinforced direction. Parameters α1, α2, α3α1, α2, α3 in LAW24 are used to define the reinforcement cross-section area ratio to the whole concrete section area in direction 1, 2, 3.(13) αi=AreasteelAreaconcreteαi=AreasteelAreaconcrete
Where, σyσy is the yield stress of the reinforcement. If steel is used as a reinforcement, then σyσy is the yield stress of steel and EtEt is the modulus of steel in the plastic phase.


Figure 27. Stress-Strain Curve of Reinforcement (steel)

Concrete Material (/MAT/LAW81)

LAW81 can be used to model rock or concrete materials.

Drücker-Prager Yield Criteria

LAW81 uses a Drücker–Prager yield criterion where the yield surface and the failure surface are the same. The yield criteria is:(14) F=qJ2 partrc(p)(ptanϕ+c)I1 part=0F=qJ2 partrc(p)(ptanϕ+c)I1 part=0
Where,
qq
von Mises stress with q=σVM=3J2q=σVM=3J2
pp
Pressure is defined as p=13I1p=13I1


Figure 28. Yield Surface (LAW81)
The yield surface can be described in two parts:
  • The linear part (ppappa), where the scale function is rc(p)=1rc(p)=1 which leads to the von Mises stress being linearly proportional to pressure:(15) q=ptanϕ+cq=ptanϕ+c
    Where,
    cc
    Cohesive and is the intercept of yield envelope with the shear strength.
    If c=0c=0, the material has no strength under tension.
    ϕϕ
    Angle of internal friction, which defines the slope of the yield envelope.

    cc and ϕϕ are also used to define the Mohr-Coulomb yield surface. The Drücker-Prage yield surface is a smooth version of the Mohr-Coulomb yield surface.

  • The second part (pa<p<pbpa<p<pb) of the yield surface simulates a cap limit. An increase of pressure in a rock or concrete material will increase the yield of the material; but, if pressure increases enough, then the rock or concrete material will be crushed. The Drücker-Prager model with the cap limit can be used to model this behavior. The cap limit defined in part and uses the scale function:(16) rc(p)=1(ppapbpa)2
    The von Mises stress is:(17) q=1(ppapbpa)2(ptanϕ+c) Where,
    pb
    Curve is defined using the fct_IDPb input
    pa
    Computed by Radioss using the input α ratio value.

    pa=αpb with 0<α<1.

    Where, p0 is the maximum point of yield curve, where Fp(p0)=0

    If p=pb, then rc(pb)=0 and the yield function is then,

    q=0(ptanϕ+c)=0 which means the material is crushed.

The input parameters ϕ, c, pb, α need to determine for the Drücker–Prager yield surface. At least four tests are needed to fit these parameters. In the simplest case, uniaxial tension and uniaxial compression can be used to determine the linear part, ϕ, and c. To determine pb, and α biaxial compression tests and compression/compression tests are needed (refer to CC00 and CC01 in RD-E: 4701 Concrete Validation with Kupfer Tests).


Figure 29. Yield Surface of LAW81 Showing Different Load Conditions
For most materials such as metal, the plastic strain increment could be considered normal to yield surface. However, if the plastic strain increment normal to yield surface is used for rock or concrete materials, the plastic volume expansion is overestimated. Therefore, a non-associated plastic flow rule is used in these materials. In LAW81 the plastic flow function G defined as:
  • G=qptanψ=0 if ppa
  • G=qtanψ(p(ppa)22(p0pa))=0 if pa<pp0
  • G=F if p>p0
Since the pressure is p0, the yield function F and plastic flow function G are the same and the following condition is fulfilled:(18) G(p0)=F(p0) (19) Gp|p0=Fp|p0=0
The pressure p0 can be calculated using the yield surface where Fp|p0=0. With G defined as:(20) G=qtanψ(p(ppa)22(p0pa))=0
The parameter ψ can be determined using the von Mises stress at pressure, p0 in the function.


Figure 30. Yield Surface of LAW81 with Plastic Flow
1
Han, D. J., and Wai-Fah Chen. "A nonuniform hardening plasticity model for concrete materials." Mechanics of materials 4, no. 3-4 (1985): 283-302