A virtual hybrid test to control mixed-mode crack propagation in concrete

The minimization of the number of experimental tests to characterize the material behavior continues to be an important challenge. The main aim of this work is to set up a relevant and discriminating concrete fracture test, able to fully investigate its complex mechanical behavior within a single run. Therefore a hybrid cracking test on a concrete sample with controlled stress intensity factors (SIFs) is currently developed. Prior to the real test, a virtual one is conceived to validate the principle of the proposed hybrid test.