I'm working on crack identification (crack pattern, location, distribution, etc.) of a Reinforced Concrete Beam subjected to 4 (four) point monotonic loading. The beam is simply supported. On reading some journal papers I found that the cracking phenomenon cannot be represented by usual continuum mechanics approach. If one has to model cracking phenomenon of reinforced concrete beam then it can be done through nonlinear fracture mechanics approach. Initially I tried to model this beam using ABAQUS Standard to generate load versus midspan deflection curve for this beam but it didn't succeed. The analysis didn't work and ABAQUS Standard aborted the analysis. Later, over the time I came to know that such type of problem can better be dealt using ABAQUS Explicit. I am not sure about my understanding towards ABAQUS that whether ABAQUS Standard or ABAQUS Explicit will be more suitable. If anybody feels I have understood the things incorrectly then the suggestions will be gratefully welcomed. I need some help and explanation in modeling this beam in ABAQUS. Can anybody help me in this regard? I would be grateful to the reply..............
Regards
anil