On the use of Hillerborg regularization method to model the softening behaviour of concrete subjected to dynamic tensile loading

Dynamic tensile tests based on the so-called spalling technique may be conducted to characterize the tensile strength and the cracking density of concretes under strain-rates in the range of 30/s to 150/s. Based on this technique, a series of experiments have been performed in LEM3 laboratory by using an instrumentation including a laser interferometer directed toward the rear face of the sample and strain-gauges on the specimen. In the present work, a series of computations of spalling tests have been conducted with the Mazars damage model. First, the loading-rate sensitivity has been identified from spalling tests to take account in the modelling of the increase of strength with strain-rate. Next, a series of numerical simulations have been performed considering various mesh sizes and by using or not the Hillerborg regularization method. Finally the ability of the Mazars model for predicting the post-peak behaviour of concrete in spalling tests has been assessed by comparing the numerous experimental measurements to numerical data.