Computational homogenization for adhesive and cohesive failure in quasi-brittle solids

A computational multiscale framework is proposed that incorporates microstructural behaviour in amacroscale discrete fracture model. Homogenisation procedures are derived for both adhesive andcohesive failure on the macroscale and are implemented in an FE2-setting. The most importantfeature of the homogenisation procedure is that it implicitly defines a traction-opening relation forthe macroscale fracture model. It is demonstrated that the used micro models can be regarded asrepresentative volume elements, despite the fact that material softening behaviour occurs. Numericalsimulations further demonstrate the applicability of the method.