A constitutive model for cracking of concrete based on the incremental theory of plasticity

A constitutive model based on classical plasticity theory for non‐linear analysis of concrete structures using finite elements is presented. The model uses the typical parameters of non‐associated plasticity theory for frictional materials and a modified Mohr‐Coulomb yield surface is suggested. Onset and amount of cracking at a point are controlled by the values of the effective plastic strain and thus it can be studied by a posteriori postprocessing of numerical results. The accuracy and objectivity of the model is checked out with some examples of application.