Author(s)

A. Goretti, C. Valente & S. Perno

Abstract

The direct determination of the mode I softening function requires sophisticated laboratory equipment, therefore an indirect estimate of the material properties, based on tests achievable in standard laboratories, is often preferred. In this latter case, however, identification procedures, responsible for nonneglectable error sources, must be resorted to. The paper aims to analyse the performances of two alternative procedures usually followed to estimate the material parameters of the cohesive crack model. Experimental results from three point bending tests on notched high strength concrete specimens are used on purpose. 1 Introduction The mode I softening function, the basic ingredient in the choesive crack model to predict the structural response of brittle disordered materials, can be

Keywords