Predicting Fracture in Civil Engineering Steel Structures: State of the Art
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 3
Abstract
Fracture is an extreme limit state in steel structures, often precipitating structural failure or serious loss of function. Methods to predict fracture in civil structures include traditional approaches developed in other disciplines (mechanical or aerospace engineering) subsequently adopted in structural engineering, as well as approaches to characterize earthquake-induced fractures originating within civil engineering. Developed over nearly six decades, the state of the art is composed of theories and models that address fracture over multiple scales and are targeted toward disparate application scenarios. The paper examines these approaches from a structural engineering standpoint, considering trade-offs in accuracy and expense, while identifying areas for improvement. Traditional approaches (including linear elastic and elastic plastic fracture mechanics) are presented, followed by newer local approaches that are better suited for scenarios where traditional approaches are inapplicable. By simulating micromechanisms such as microvoid growth as well as granular cleavage, local approaches address fracture under large-scale yielding, ultralow-cycle fatigue (which occurs during earthquakes), and low-stress triaxiality, all of which are important in civil structures. The physical basis for these approaches is outlined, with a summary of best practices for calibration and application. However, these local approaches have limitations as well, and often require substantial resources for successful implementation. With this background, optimal fracture assessment strategies are outlined for common structural scenarios, considering accuracy and cost. Limitations of the entire fracture modeling framework are summarized because they pertain to mainstream adoption within structural engineering research and practice. As the profession moves toward accurate performance characterization, it is anticipated that research will accelerate to overcome these limitations.
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Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank previous and current students and collaborators whose work has contributed to this paper through research or engaging discussions. These include Gregory Deierlein of Stanford University, Benjamin Fell of California State University, Sacramento, Andrew Myers of Northeastern University, Christopher Smith of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Ryan Cooke of Forell Elsesser Engineers, and Kimberly Stillmaker and Vincente Pericoli of the University of California at Davis. The author is also grateful to sponsors of his research over the years, including the National Science Foundation (Grants #CMMI 0825155, 118634, and 143400) and the American Institute of Steel Construction. Recently, the author worked with Peter Maranian of Brandow Johnston and Associates and Leonard Joseph of Thornton Tomasetti Engineers for the fracture mechanics design of the Wilshire Grand Tower; he is grateful to these individuals for stimulating discussions and collaboration. The opinions expressed in this paper are solely of the author.
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 3 • March 2017
Copyright
©2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 4, 2016
Accepted: Sep 21, 2016
Published online: Nov 11, 2016
Published in print: Mar 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Apr 11, 2017
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