Ricerc@Sapienza

In this work, a computational model for simulating the relevant mechanisms governing the pull-out of a discrete reinforcement embedded into cement based materials is described. The model accounts for the material and geometric properties of the reinforcement, which can include an anchored end, the interface between reinforcement and surrounding medium, and the relative inclination of the reinforcement to the crack plane.

The addition of metallic fibres in concrete is a widely used technique to increase its
resistance to crack opening, energy absorption capacity, and durability. The properties
of the resulting composite strongly depend on the geometry of the fibres, which usually
dispose of an hooked end, as well as on the mechanical properties of both the fibre
and the concrete. The optimization of the fibre reinforcement mechanisms can only be
achieved by an approach that takes into account adequately these aspects. Therefore,