On the analysis of notched concrete beams: From measurement with digital image correlation to identification with boundary element method of a cohesive model

A way of coupling digital image correlation (to measure displacement fields) and boundary element method (to compute displacements and tractions along a crack surface) is presented herein. It allows for the identification of Young's modulus and fracture parameters associated with a cohesive model. This procedure is illustrated to analyze the latter for an ordinary concrete in a three-point bend test on a notched beam. In view of measurement uncertainties, the results are deemed trustworthy thanks to the fact that numerous measurement points are accessible and used as entries to the identification procedure. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.