Macro-meso cracking inversion modelling of three-point bending concrete beam with random aggregates using cohesive zone model.

• The crack damage behavior of concrete is inversely analyzed. • The mechanical results and cracking area are taken as targets. • An inverse method of cohesive zone model is proposed. • The applicable parameter range of control factors is obtained. An accurate description of concrete crack propagation is essential to practical engineering. In this paper, the cohesive zone model (CZM) is used to investigate the macroscopic mechanical properties and the microscopic crack damage behavior of concrete beams in the three-point bending test. Five key factors controlling the cracking of cohesive elements, namely mode I fracture energy, mode II fracture energy, shear strength, tensile strength, and elastic modulus (stiffness), are subjected to parametric examinations. Based on macro-mechanical properties and micro-cracking, the test results and parametric models of specimens are inversely analyzed. The applicable parameter range of control factors in the three-point bending simulation is obtained. Considering the quantitative aggregate information of specimens with different mix proportions, three computation models with different aggregate areas are established. The quantitative results of crack propagation are derived by applying the parameter range. Finally, the accuracy of the parameter range is validated based on the simulated and experimental mechanical properties and quantitative results of cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]