This paper presents a new formulation of interface element for discrete cracking of structural concrete, which is particularly useful in the analysis of failed (cracked) concrete under multi-axial loading state. It takes into account not only the tensile stress in the normal direction of the crack interface but also the compression loading in its tangent direction. Three different failure envelopes in the tension-compression stress domain have been examined. In order to pursue the accurate cracking strength under multi-axial loading, a correction procedure is also proposed. The developed formulation has been closely examined in conjunction with the DIANA program, using an artificially designated concrete block. Comparison with experimental results is also made for two beams with different bending moment ratio's of middle span and end of the beam under shear failure near supports, where good agreement has been evident. The new formulation has performed very well. In addition, it is concluded that the parabolic relationship of concrete cracking in tension-compression stress domain is considered to be appropriate. The influence of softening in compressed regions has been examined, which stimulates the crack opening but has a minor effect on the ultimate loading capacity in such support failed (D-failure) beams. Either it was found that the dominating crack becomes steeper as the clamped bending moment increases in a relation to that of the mid-span.

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