A nonlocal smeared-cracking
finite element model is used to simulate tensile fracture in mortar
notched-beam specimens. The nonlocal model resolves the distributions
of damage and energy consumption within the fracture process zone,
as well as accounts for variation in fracture energy along the
ligament length. The simulation results correlate well with experimental
and analytical results for fracture over the central portion of
the ligament length. However, standard nonlocal averaging causes
excess energy consumption in regions subjected to high strain
gradients. To promote natural fracture development and realistic
energy consumption near the pre-notch tip, the nonlocal averaging
process is modified in this vicinity.