Fluctuation-based damage mechanics: a statistical approach to fracture in concrete

This study introduces a statistical mechanics framework for modeling fracture and damage processes in concrete materials, leveraging the semi-grand canonical ensemble.By conceptualizing fracture as a monolayer adsorption process and damage as a multi-layer adsorption phenomenon, the approach extends classical fracture mechanics through statistical observables and ensemble-based formulations.Through simulations on notched beams, the framework demonstrates key insights into the energy dissipation mechanisms underpinning fracture.Statistical observables, such as isosteric heats of adsorption, provide a robust method to predict fracture behavior without the need for experimental size-effect studies, while damage isotherms are highlighting the influence of configurational pressure on material degradation.The results emphasize the potential of this framework to enhance the predictive modeling of quasi-brittle materials, paving the way for applications in material design and structural engineering.