A new smooth failure criterion for concrete inspired by Lubliner's condition

Abstract A new failure criterion with 10 parameters is proposed, based on Lubliner's idea of joining two Drucker–Prager cones. The novelty lies in the way of introducing deviatoric shape variation: through two Podgórski's functions. This feature allows for improving plane stress cross‐section's compatibility with experimental data. Also, due to two regularization parameters, the new condition is entirely smooth. The function is constructed in a way that ensures convexity and full differentiability, which allows for using it as a plastic potential in computational plasticity (or damage). The definition does not include the maximum principal stress directly, which makes the new condition more flexible. The validity of the failure criterion is confirmed via comparison with experimental data available in the literature. Closed formulae for material parameters are given, and their typical (default) values are recommended. Dealing with material hardening is described.