In this paper, a simple approach based on the independent cover method is presented for failure analysis of reinforced concrete structures. Capability of complex fracture representation and simplicity in numerical implementation are main features of this approach. The intrinsic cohesive zone model (CZM) is used for characterizing quasi-brittle fracture initiation and propagation behavior. In the independent cover method, the fictitious thin layer connecting neighboring independent covers naturally defines an initial elastic stiffness required for intrinsic CZM. According to the defined traction-separation law in CZM, a damage factor is introduced to the fictitious thin layer to represent material deterioration. Furthermore, the fictitious thin layer technique is used for concrete-discrete reinforcement coupling including rigid bond and slip bond. The applicability of the present method is verified by a model experiment for analyzing the failure behavior of a damaged rectangular sewer culvert. Good agreements regarding key structural responses and failure pattern between numerical and experimental results are observed.

在本文中，提出了一种基于独立覆盖法的简单方法，用于钢筋混凝土结构的失效分析。复杂裂缝表示的能力和数值实现的简单性是这种方法的主要特点。内聚区模型 (CZM) 用于表征准脆性断裂的起始和扩展行为。在独立覆盖方法中，连接相邻独立覆盖的虚构薄层自然定义了固有 CZM 所需的初始弹性刚度。根据 CZM 中定义的牵引分离定律，将损伤因子引入虚拟薄层以表示材料劣化。此外，虚拟薄层技术用于混凝土-离散钢筋耦合，包括刚性粘结和滑动粘结。通过对受损矩形下水道涵洞失效行为分析的模型试验验证了本方法的适用性。观察到数值和实验结果之间关于关键结构响应和失效模式的良好一致性。