Comprehensive Review on Numerical Modelling on Crack and Fracture in Concrete

Article Preview

Abstract:

Concrete cracking behavior under distributed forces is influenced by several factors such as material properties, crack initiation, propagation, and the impact of external loads. This paper aims to explore the relationship between concrete surface conditions and concrete material shape and concrete crack patterns under compressive loads. The literature review method uses general search queries with the most important keywords from academic databases, from reputable source Scopus and Science Direct. Following is an example of a query applied in a database for extraction: “rough AND surface AND contact”; “fracture AND mechanics AND of AND concrete”; “pressure AND test AND system”; “concrete AND crack AND pattern AND modeling”; “concrete AND crack AND pattern AND concrete AND compression AND test”; “surface AND contact AND in AND compression AND test”; “surface AND contact AND in AND concrete AND compression AND test”. The literature is limited from 2000 to 2025, obtaining the following three general topic groups: “rough surface contact” with 7347 articles, “compression testing system” with 2108 articles and “concrete crack mechanics” with 4307 articles. The resultss is then further filtered out by applying four groups: “concrete crack pattern in compression test” with 35 articles, “concrete crack pattern modeling” with 60 articles, “surface contact in compression test” with 31 articles and “surface contact in concrete compression test” with 5 articles. A total of 137 identified articles were entered into the Mendeley database in .ris format and then evaluated them using Vosveiwer application to see the most frequently appearing and relevant keyword relationships for the proposed research. Mapping results acwuires keywords “numerical simulation”, “concrete”, “fracture” and “crack propagation” most frequently occurring and interconnected. A systematic sythesis are then implemented and compiled for a comprehensive review article relates in a meningful literature.

You might also be interested in these eBooks

Info:

Periodical:

Pages:

117-127

Citation:

Online since:

May 2026

Export:

Price:

Permissions CCC:

Permissions PLS:

Сopyright:

© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Share:

Citation:

* - Corresponding Author

[1] Y. Huang, X. He, Q. Wang, and J. Xiao, "Deformation field and crack analyses of concrete using digital image correlation method," Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., vol. 13, no. 5, p.1183–1199, 2019.

DOI: 10.1007/s11709-019-0545-3

Google Scholar

[2] R. Ramli, A. A. Nor Azlan, S. Osman, M. N. Zakaria, and S. M. Yahaya, "Characterization of Pineapple Leaves Reinforced Cement Based Composites," in Springer Proceedings in Physics, 2025, p.279–287.

DOI: 10.1007/978-981-96-2871-1_40

Google Scholar

[3] M. H. Zeng, Z. M. Wu, and Y. J. Wang, "A stochastic model considering heterogeneity and crack propagation in concrete," Constr. Build. Mater., vol. 254, 2020.

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119289

Google Scholar

[4] J. Wang, L. Li, X. G. Zhang, and Y. Zhao, "A Prediction Model for Concrete Cracks due to Chloride-Induced Corrosion," Adv. Mater. Sci. Eng., vol. 2020, 2020.

DOI: 10.1155/2020/1049258

Google Scholar

[5] S. Ortlepp and M. Curbach, "Behaviour of high-strength concrete at high loading rates," in 11th International Conference on Fracture 2005, ICF11, 2005, p.3606–3611. [Online]. Available: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84869831532&partnerID=40&md5=8f232c4f5be77dc1e1765fb216e1e32c.

Google Scholar

[6] Y. Wang, W. Wang, B. Zhang, and C. Q. Li, "A review on mixed mode fracture of metals," Eng. Fract. Mech., vol. 235, 2020.

DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2020.107126

Google Scholar

[7] Q. F. Li, Z. Li, F. G. Buchholz, and S. Y. Yan, "Computational analysis of the AFM specimen on mixed-mode II and III fracture," in Key Engineering Materials, 2011, p.173–176.

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.452-453.173

Google Scholar

[8] P. Poapongsakorn, A. Wiangkham, P. Aengchuan, N. Noraphaiphipaksa, and C. Kanchanomai, "Time-dependent fracture of epoxy resin under mixed-mode I/III loading," Theor. Appl. Fract. Mech., vol. 106, 2020.

DOI: 10.1016/j.tafmec.2019.102445

Google Scholar

[9] K. H. Schwalbe, I. Scheider, and A. Cornec, "Material characterisation," in SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology, no. 9783642294938, 2013, p.17–31.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-29494-5_3

Google Scholar

[10] J. Ast, J. J. Schwiedrzik, N. Rohbeck, X. Maeder, and J. Michler, "Novel micro-scale specimens for mode-dependent fracture testing of brittle materials: A case study on GaAs single crystals," Mater. Des., vol. 193, 2020.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2020.108765

Google Scholar

[11] S. H. Cheng and C. T. Sun, "Applicability of continuum fracture mechanics in atomisitic systems," in ASME 2011 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2011, 2011, p.283–288.

DOI: 10.1115/imece2011-63478

Google Scholar

[12] H. Yuan, W. Yang, L. Zhang, and T. Hong, "Model Development of Stress Intensity Factor on 7057T6 Aluminum Alloy Using Extended Finite Element Method," Coatings, vol. 13, no. 3, 2023.

DOI: 10.3390/coatings13030581

Google Scholar

[13] F. Pistorio, D. Clerici, and A. Somà, "Analytical computation of stress intensity factor for active material particles of lithium ion batteries," Eng. Fract. Mech., vol. 292, 2023.

DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2023.109597

Google Scholar

[14] C. Hwu and H. Y. Huang, "Investigation of the stress intensity factors for interface corners," Eng. Fract. Mech., vol. 93, p.204–224, 2012.

DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2012.06.020

Google Scholar

[15] Z. Zhang and S. Yao, "A constitutive approach to fracture simulation based on augmented virtual internal bond method," in 13th International Conference on Fracture 2013, ICF 2013, 2013, p.657–663. [Online]. Available: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84898775733&partnerID=40&md5=a79b6c9c50fc9e00e24c61d872a8cd3f.

Google Scholar

[16] M. A. Wilson, S. J. Grutzik, and M. Chandross, "Continuum stress intensity factors from atomistic fracture simulations," Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng., vol. 354, p.732–749, 2019.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cma.2019.05.050

Google Scholar

[17] A. M. Almukhtar, "Fracture simulation of welded joints," in Crack Growth: Rates, Prediction and Prevention, 2011, p.229–266. [Online]. Available: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84891994107&partnerID=40&md5=042234d0c8c0dc8186e7ae1e422b9558.

Google Scholar

[18] F. P. Brennan and L. S. Teh, "Determination of crack-tip stress intensity factors in complex geometries by the composition of constituent weight function solutions," Fatigue Fract. Eng. Mater. Struct., vol. 27, no. 1, p.1–7, 2004.

DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-2695.2004.00710.x

Google Scholar

[19] M. Su, J. Xiao, and G. Feng, "Type III Fracture Mechanics of a Nanoscale Cracked Hole in One-dimensional Hexagonal Quasicrystals," Guti Lixue Xuebao/Acta Mech. Solida Sin., vol. 41, no. 3, p.281–292, 2020.

DOI: 10.1007/s10999-022-09589-7

Google Scholar

[20] D. Rigon and G. Meneghetti, "An engineering approach to estimate fatigue thresholds of wrought and additively manufactured defective metallic materials," in Procedia Structural Integrity, 2021, p.154–159.

DOI: 10.1016/j.prostr.2021.12.022

Google Scholar

[21] Z. Xu, X. Yan, X. Yang, Z. Qin, and W. Ding, "Contact behavior analysis for rough surfaces with random sampling," Hsi-An Chiao Tung Ta Hsueh/Journal Xi'an Jiaotong Univ., vol. 46, no. 5, pp.102-108+113, 2012, [Online]. Available: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84862659992&partnerID=40&md5=3d6202ea21bc49691dca1e534365351b.

Google Scholar

[22] A. Olshevskiy, H. I. Yang, and C. W. Kim, "Finite element simulation of inelastic contact for arbitrarily shaped rough bodies," Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng. Part C J. Mech. Eng. Sci., vol. 226, no. 3, p.595–606, 2012.

DOI: 10.1177/0954406211417216

Google Scholar

[23] A. C. Urzicǎ, M. R. D. Bǎlan, and S. S. Creţu, "Pressures distributions and depth stresses developed in concentrated contacts between elements with non-Gaussian rough surfaces," in ASME 2012 11th Biennial Conference on Engineering Systems Design and Analysis, ESDA 2012, 2012, p.547–554.

DOI: 10.1115/ESDA2012-82357

Google Scholar

[24] C. Gao, L. Cai, and Q. Bi, "Micro-elastohydrodynamics lubrication of point contacts with coexistence of longitudinal and transverse roughness," Int. J. Nonlinear Sci. Numer. Simul., vol. 5, no. 2, p.113–120, 2004.

DOI: 10.1515/IJNSNS.2004.5.2.113

Google Scholar

[25] A. Beheshti, A. B. Aghdam, and M. M. Khonsari, "Deterministic surface tractions in rough contact under stick-slip condition: Application to fretting fatigue crack initiation," Int. J. Fatigue, vol. 56, p.75–85, 2013.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2013.08.007

Google Scholar

[26] Z. Dreija, O. Liniņš, and F. Sudnieks, "Influence of friction force and stresses on compression joint," in 2006 IIE Annual Conference and Exhibition, 2006. [Online]. Available: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-36448970155&partnerID=40&md5=612b7e4d9e3f56a67ddce7a925ad642b.

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/ssp.113.334

Google Scholar

[27] Z. Dreija, O. Liniņš, F. Sudnieks, and N. Mozga, "Friction force and stresses analysis for contact of assembled details," in Solid State Phenomena, 2006, p.334–338.

Google Scholar

[28] C. J. Hooke, "The effect of roughness in EHL contacts," Tribol. Interface Eng. Ser., vol. 48, p.31–46, 2005.

DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8922(05)80006-9

Google Scholar

[29] W. A. Siswanto and B. P. Martama, "Stress and deflection of a concrete block in a four-point bending (FPB) test," Univers. J. Mech. Eng., vol. 7, no. 6, p.307–317, 2019.

DOI: 10.13189/ujme.2019.070601

Google Scholar

[30] J. Nyqvist, A. Kadiric, R. Sayles, and S. Loannides, "Roughness effects in thermo-mechanically loaded contacts," in 2008 Proceedings of the STLE/ASME International Joint Tribology Conference, IJTC 2008, 2009, p.637–639. [Online]. Available: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-70349850798&partnerID=40&md5=4a09355f511c628882fd8817fd1f8f71.

DOI: 10.1115/ijtc2008-71246

Google Scholar

[31] L. Chang and Y. R. Jeng, "Effects of negative skewness of surface roughness on the contact and lubrication of nominally flat metallic surfaces," Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng. Part J J. Eng. Tribol., vol. 227, no. 6, p.559–569, 2013.

DOI: 10.1177/1350650112465365

Google Scholar

[32] J. Chen, Y. Li, L. Wen, P. Bu, and K. Li, "Experimental Study on Axial Compression of Concrete with Initial Crack under Hydrostatic Pressure," KSCE J. Civ. Eng., vol. 24, no. 2, p.612–623, 2020.

DOI: 10.1007/s12205-019-5369-0

Google Scholar

[33] T. Miura, K. Sato, and H. Nakamura, "The role of microcracking on the compressive strength and stiffness of cracked concrete with different crack widths and angles evaluated by DIC," Cem. Concr. Compos., vol. 114, 2020.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2020.103768

Google Scholar

[34] M. D. Yavari, H. A. Lazemi, and H. Haeri, "Investigating the Effect of Confining Stress on the Crack Propagation Mechanism of Cubic Concrete Specimens Containing Central Cracks," Iran. J. Sci. Technol. - Trans. Civ. Eng., vol. 45, no. 4, p.2503–2515, 2021.

DOI: 10.1007/s40996-020-00573-9

Google Scholar

[35] A. Saimoto and H. Nisitani, "Crack propagation criterion and simulation under biaxial loading," in Structures and Materials, 2003, p.93–102. [Online]. Available: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-4544231648&partnerID=40&md5=563d9968bfb4d10f2eb3a5db5187c2dd.

Google Scholar

[36] C. Wei, W. S. Zhu, Y. Li, S. G. Wang, Z. X. Dong, and W. B. Cai, "Experimental study and numerical simulation of inclined flaws and horizontal fissures propagation and coalescence process in rocks," Yantu Lixue/Rock Soil Mech., vol. 40, no. 11, p.4533-4542and4553, 2019.

Google Scholar

[37] M. D. Yavari, H. Haeri, V. Sarfarazi, M. F. Marji, and H. A. Lazemi, "On Propagation Mechanism of Cracks Emanating from Two Neighboring Holes in Cubic Concrete Specimens under Various Lateral Confinements," J. Min. Environ., vol. 12, no. 4, p.1003–1017, 2021.

Google Scholar

[38] H. Haeri, "Simulating the Crack Propagation Mechanism of Pre-Cracked Concrete Specimens Under Shear Loading Conditions," Strength Mater., vol. 47, no. 4, p.618–632, 2015.

DOI: 10.1007/s11223-015-9698-z

Google Scholar

[39] B. Zhang et al., "Study on the influence mechanism of polypropylene fiber on crack propagation of concrete with existing cracks under uniaxial compression," Theor. Appl. Fract. Mech., vol. 131, 2024.

DOI: 10.1016/j.tafmec.2024.104429

Google Scholar

[40] C. Zhou and Z. Zhu, "Study of crack dynamic propagation behavior of fine-grained concrete under static loading," Int. J. Fract., vol. 220, no. 1, p.113–125, 2019.

DOI: 10.1007/s10704-019-00394-6

Google Scholar

[41] X. X. Zhang, R. C. Yu, G. Ruiz, M. Tarifa, and M. A. Camara, "Effect of loading rate on crack velocities in HSC," Int. J. Impact Eng., vol. 37, no. 4, p.359–370, 2010.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijimpeng.2009.10.002

Google Scholar

[42] J. Ožbolt, A. Sharma, and H. W. Reinhardt, "Dynamic fracture of concrete - 3D numerical study of compact tension specimen," in Applied Mechanics and Materials, 2011, p.39–44.

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.82.39

Google Scholar

[43] J. Zhang, R. Ma, Z. Pan, and H. Zhou, "Review of Mesoscale Geometric Models of Concrete Materials," Buildings, vol. 13, no. 10, 2023.

DOI: 10.3390/buildings13102428

Google Scholar

[44] G. Pan, T. Song, P. Li, W. Jia, and Y. Deng, "Review on finite element analysis of meso-structure model of concrete," J. Mater. Sci., vol. 60, no. 1, p.32–62, 2025.

DOI: 10.1007/s10853-024-10493-y

Google Scholar

[45] H. Su, H. Li, B. Hu, and J. Yang, "A research on the macroscopic and mesoscopic parameters of concrete based on an experimental design method," Materials (Basel)., vol. 14, no. 7, 2021.

DOI: 10.3390/ma14071627

Google Scholar

[46] I. Avdeev, K. Sobolev, A. Amirjanov, and A. Hastert, "Micromechanical models of structural behavior of concrete," in Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings, 2010, p.135–140.

DOI: 10.1557/proc-1276-20

Google Scholar

[47] S. Häfner and C. Könke, "A multigrid finite element method for the mesoscale analysis of concrete," in ECCOMAS 2004 - European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering, 2004. [Online]. Available: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84893475877&partnerID=40&md5=b8ae249d7c8f09e0398914bf682b569d.

Google Scholar

[48] P. Kral, P. Hradil, and J. Kala, "Four-Point Bending Test on a High Reinforced Concrete Beam: Nonlinear Numerical Analysis Using Material Parameter Identification," in IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 2019.

DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/471/5/052052

Google Scholar

[49] P. Král, P. Hradil, and J. Kala, "Evaluation of constitutive relations for concrete modeling based on an incremental theory of elastic strain-hardening plasticity," Comput. Concr., vol. 22, no. 2, p.227–237, 2018.

Google Scholar

[50] C. Duncan et al., "COMPARISON OF BALLISTIC IMPACT SIMULATIONS USING DIFFERENT CONSTITUTIVE MATERIAL MODELS OF CONCRETE," in ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE), 2022.

DOI: 10.1115/IMECE2022-94248

Google Scholar

[51] Z. G. Tu and Y. Lu, "Evaluation of RHT model for modeling concrete in numerical simulation," in Progress in Mechanics of Structures and Materials - Proceedings of the 19th Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, ACMSM19, 2007, p.243–248. [Online]. Available: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84863137297&partnerID=40&md5=1ba8555ca06294a8d71b0c66e7426d6a.

DOI: 10.1201/9781003060888-39

Google Scholar

[52] P. Dumstorff and G. Meschke, "Crack propagation criteria in the framework of X-FEM-based structural analyses," Int. J. Numer. Anal. Methods Geomech., vol. 31, no. 2, p.239–259, 2007.

DOI: 10.1002/nag.560

Google Scholar

[53] P. Dumstorff and G. Meschke, "Investigation of crack growth criteria in the context of the extended finite element ethod," in ECCOMAS 2004 - European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering, 2004. [Online]. Available: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84893503320&partnerID=40&md5=81b2c3c0f96051e75df01ffe0a35f10e.

Google Scholar

[54] H. S. Vishwanatha, S. Muralidhara, and B. K. Raghu Prasad, "Fracture simulation of concrete beams to assess softening behavior by varying different fractions of aggregates," Frat. ed Integrita Strutt., vol. 18, no. 67, p.43–57, 2024.

DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.67.04

Google Scholar

[55] X. D. Zhang, Y. Ding, and X. C. Ren, "Simulation of the concrete crack propagation process with the extended finite element method," Gongcheng Lixue/Engineering Mech., vol. 30, no. 7, pp.14-21+27, 2013.

Google Scholar

[56] P. Zhang, C. Du, W. Zhao, and D. Zhang, "Hydraulic fracture simulation of concrete using the SBFEM-FVM model," Struct. Eng. Mech., vol. 80, no. 5, p.553–562, 2021.

Google Scholar

[57] E. T. Ooi, S. Natarajan, C. Song, and E. H. Ooi, "Crack propagation modelling in concrete using the scaled boundary finite element method with hybrid polygon–quadtree meshes," Int. J. Fract., vol. 203, no. 1–2, p.135–157, 2017.

DOI: 10.1007/s10704-016-0136-4

Google Scholar

[58] O. Alrayes, C. Könke, and K. M. Hamdia, "A Numerical Study of Crack Mixed Mode Model in Concrete Material Subjected to Cyclic Loading," Materials (Basel)., vol. 16, no. 5, 2023.

DOI: 10.3390/ma16051916

Google Scholar

[59] E. T. Ooi and Z. J. Yang, "Modelling multiple cohesive crack propagation using a finite element-scaled boundary finite element coupled method," Eng. Anal. Bound. Elem., vol. 33, no. 7, p.915–929, 2009.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enganabound.2009.01.006

Google Scholar

[60] S. R. Sabbagh Yazdi and T. Amiri, "An efficient automatic adaptive algorithm for cohesive crack propagation modeling of concrete structures using matrix-free unstructured Galerkin Finite Volume Method," Comput. Math. with Appl., vol. 97, p.237–250, 2021.

DOI: 10.1016/j.camwa.2021.06.004

Google Scholar

[61] K. Paul, A. S. Balu, and K. S. BabuNarayan, "Fracture mechanics-based meshless method for crack propagation in concrete structures," Structures, vol. 74, 2025.

DOI: 10.1016/j.istruc.2025.108422

Google Scholar

[62] Z. Yang and J. Chen, "Fully automatic modelling of cohesive discrete crack propagation in concrete beams using local arc-length methods," Int. J. Solids Struct., vol. 41, no. 3–4, p.801–826, 2004.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2003.09.033

Google Scholar

[63] C. C. Zhang, X. H. Yang, and H. Gao, "XFEM Simulation of Pore-Induced Fracture of a Heterogeneous Concrete Beam in Three-Point Bending," Strength Mater., vol. 50, no. 5, p.711–723, 2018.

DOI: 10.1007/s11223-018-0016-4

Google Scholar

[64] Z. J. Yang and J. Chen, "Finite element modelling of multiple cohesive discrete crack propagation in reinforced concrete beams," Eng. Fract. Mech., vol. 72, no. 14, p.2280–2297, 2005.

DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2005.02.004

Google Scholar

[65] Y. Chen, D. Sun, U. Perego, and Q. Li, "Brittle crack propagation simulation based on the Virtual Element Method and Jk-integral fracture criterion," Eng. Fract. Mech., vol. 314, 2025.

DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2024.110684

Google Scholar

[66] C. Du, W. Huang, and S. Jiang, "Cracking simulation of quasi-brittle materials by combining SBFEM with nonlocal macro-micro damage model," Lixue Xuebao/Chinese J. Theor. Appl. Mech., vol. 54, no. 4, p.1026–1039, 2022.

Google Scholar

[67] X.-Z. Lu and J.-J. Jiang, "Analysis of cracking of RC beams using meshless method," Gongcheng Lixue/Engineering Mech., vol. 21, no. 2, p.24–28, 2004, [Online]. Available: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-3142537053&partnerID=40&md5=9b5809ad0e0dd42a04932231a9b950cf.

Google Scholar