Development of XFEM analysis code for simulation of fatigue crack propagation in steel structure

In order to evaluate the behavior of a fatigue crack in the local part of large-scale civil engineering structure, we have implemented a fatigue crack simulation code based on the XFEM approximation into general-purpose FEM analysis software. Using this simulation code, the behavior of a fatigue crack through thickness of a plate in a three dimensional structure can be quantitatively evaluated. The performance of the developed PU-XFEM code is evaluated through its applications to the numerical simulations of the fatigue crack propagation in the intermediate transverse beam of I-girder bridge and the orthotropic steel deck specimen using bulb rib. It is concluded that the developed PU-XFEM analysis code is useful for the quantitative evaluation on the path and rate of the fatigue crack propagation including the estimation of termination of crack propagation through thickness of a plate in a three dimensional structure.