Digital Technology-Driven Improvement of Crack Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Structures: Parametric Modeling and Finite Element Analysis Empirical Study
Main Article Content
Abstract
While reinforced concrete offers wide applicability and low cost, cracking remains a critical factor impairing its durability, a challenge that can be addressed by optimizing reinforcement configuration and digital structural modeling to inhibit crack propagation. The rapid advancement of digital technology provides a novel approach to optimizing the spatial distribution of these reinforcement parameters, ensuring a more resilient and durable composite structure. Focusing on digital technology-driven enhancement of the crack resistance of reinforced concrete structures, this study systematically explores the application mechanisms and empirical effects of parametric modeling and finite element analysis in this field. Firstly, it summarizes the cracking mechanisms of reinforced concrete structures and the current state of digital technology applications. Secondly, a parametric modeling framework for reinforced concrete structures based on Python+Grasshopper is established, clarifying the correlation between key design parameters and crack resistance. Thirdly, using ABAQUS finite element analysis software, a refined finite element model considering material nonlinearity and interface bond-slip is developed to conduct numerical simulations of crack resistance. Finally, the reliability of parametric modeling and finite element analysis is verified through typical component tests, and an optimization scheme for crack resistance based on digital technology is proposed. The results indicate that parametric modeling enables efficient iteration and precise control of design parameters for reinforced concrete structures integrated with optimized reinforcement configurations, while finite element analysis can accurately predict how material and interface parameters influence the initiation and propagation laws of structural cracks. When paired with electromagnetic or other nondestructive inspection data, the parametric model may further support structural damage assessment.
Downloads
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
References
K. Yang, “Analysis on Construction Technology of Concrete Structure in Civil Engineering,” Journal of Architectural Research and Development, vol. 4, no. 6, 2022,mdoi: 10.26689/jard.v6i4.4152.
E. D. Reis, R. C. De Azevedo, A. L. Christoforo, F. S. J. Poggiali, and A. C. S. Bezerra, “Bonding of steel bars in concrete: A systematic review of the literature,” Structures. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier; 2023, pp. 508–519, [Online]. Available: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S235201242300142X.
W. Wang, H. Gao, Y. Sun, S. Jiang, Z. Hu, “Application of highperformance concrete in civil engineering, ” Acad. J. Sci. Technol, vol.9, pp. 105-110, 2024, doi: 10.54097/e449yj08.
D. Ružić and K. Zahirovic, “USE OF CARBON FIBER IN CONCRETE STRUCTURES-STATE OF THE ART,” Journal of Faculty of Mining, Geology & Civil Engineering/Glasnik Rudarsko-gradevinskog fakulteta, pp. 10, 2022, doi: 10.51558/2303-5161.2022.10.10.55.
J. Blazy and R. Blazy, “Polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete and its application in creating architectural forms of public spaces,” Case Studies in Construction Materials, vol. 14, Art. no. e00549, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.cscm.2021.e00549.
Z. Huo and G. Qian, “A review of research on chloride corrosion of steel reinforcement in pre-cracked concrete,” in Weng CH, editor. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Advances in Civil and Ecological Engineering Research, Date of conference, Place of Conference. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore, 2023, pp. 3–13, doi: 10.1007/978-981-19-5783-3_1.
J. Hu, S. Zhang, E. Chen, and W. Li, “A review on corrosion detection and protection of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 325, Art. no. 126718, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.126718.
M. S. Badar, K. Kupwade-Patil, S. A. Bernal, J. L. Provis, and E. N. Allouche, “Corrosion of steel bars induced by accelerated carbonation in low and high calcium fly ash geopolymer concretes,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 61, pp. 79-89, 2014, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.03.015.
L. Jin, H. Yang, R. Zhang, and X. Du, “A multi-stage mesoscopic numerical approach to simulate the flexural behavior of concrete beams with corroded rebars,” Engineering Structures, vol. 245, Art. no. 112913, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112913.
M. Rabi, R. Shamass, and K. A. Cashell, “Structural performance of stainless steel reinforced concrete members: A review,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 325, Art. no. 126673, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.126673.
M. K. ASKAR, Y. A. M. A. N. Al-Kamaki, R. Ferhadi, and H. K. MAJEED, “Cracks in concrete structures causes and treatments: A review,” Journal of Duhok University, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 148-165, 2023, [Online]. Available: https://journal.uod.ac/index.php/uodjournal/article/view/3294.
N. Pise, T. Meshram, Y. Doijad, R. Gathe, A. Bobade, A. Kutemate, et al., “A brief study on causes of cracks, prevention and pattern of cracks on concrete,” Int. J. Sci. Res. Sci. Eng. Technol, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 439-443, 2021, doi: 10.32628/IJSRSET2183194.
A. Ramezani and B. Shafei, “Advances in lightweight ultra-high performance concrete: Mixture requirements, strength characteristics, and durability properties,” Journal of Building Engineering, Art. no. 113681, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2025.113681.
D. M. otsovos, C. A. Zeris, and A. A. Abbas, “Finite element modelling of structural concrete,” Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Computational Methods in Structural Dynamics & Earthquake Engineering; 2009, [Online]. Available: https://researchportal.hw.ac.uk/en/publications/finite-element-modelling-ofstructural-concrete/.
S. A. Shimky, S. N. R. Hasib, S. M. W. Karim, S. Parven, M. Imran, M. E. H. Parvez, and A. Ali, “Application of BIM in civil engineering,” European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 595–622, 2024, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.59324/ejtas.2024.2(4).51.
L. Yang and F. Qian, “Application and consideration of digital technology in architecture design,” Proceedings of the International Conference on Education Research and Reform (ERR 2015); 2015, pp. 475–479, [Online]. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Li-Yang-283/publication/370105310_Application_and_Consideration_of_Digital_Technology_in_Architecture_Design/links/643f95e71b8d044c633403e1/Application-and-Consideration-of-Digital-Technology-in-Architecture-Design.pdf.
Z. Qiu and X. Li, “A new model for the eigenvalue buckling analysis with unknown-but-bounded parameters,” Aerospace Science and Technology, vol. 113, Art. no. 106634, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.ast.2021.106634.
L. Luo, Y. Yan, L. Shao, H. Lv, and C. Xiao, “Finite element analysis of seismic energy dissipation and quantitative damage evaluation in reinforced concrete frame structures,” Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, pp. 1-33, 2026, doi: 10.1007/s10518-026-02382-3.
S. Fang, “Research on Structural Damage Identification Methods Based on Finite Element Model Updating,” Central South University, 2010, doi: 10.7666/d.y1918010.
H. Ma, Z. Bian, and Z. Deng, “A Parametric Modeling Method for Finite Element Models of Steel Wire Ropes,” Shanxi Architecture, vol. 49, no. 4, pp. 55-58, 2023, doi: 10.13719/j.cnki.1009-6825.2023.04.014.
T. Zhong, “Research on BIM-based Parametric Design of Frame Structures,” Shenyang University of Technology, 2016, doi: 10.16670/j.cnki.cn11-5823/tu.2015.05.19.
Z. Huo, “Simulation of Fracture Process of Concrete Beams Using Cohesive Crack Model Based on Extended Finite Element Method,” Computer Aided Engineering, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 29-33, 2010, doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-0871.2010.04.007.
Ö. Anil, C. Durucan, R. Erdem, and M. A. Yorgancilar, “Experimental and numerical investigation of reinforced concrete beams with variable material properties under impact loading,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 125, pp. 94-104, 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.08.028.
Z. Yu, “Study on the Influence of Reinforced Concrete Material Parameters on Section Moment-curvature,” Tianjin Construction Science and Technology, vol. 26, no. 3, pp. 3, 2016, doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1008-3197.2016.03.018.
Z. Dong, Y. Tan, L. Cao, and Y. Zhong, “Research on Pore Water Pressure of Asphalt Pavements under Water-load Coupling,” Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology, vol. 39, no. 10, pp. 4, 2007, doi: 10.3321/j.issn:0367-6234.2007.10.024.