For the durability analysis of reinforced concrete structures, the modelling of strain localization and the estimation of cracking properties are hot topics. This work introduces a method allowing, in the framework of continuous mechanics, to improve the description of the evolution of strain localization. Based on a continuous description of the problem, the evolution of nonlinearities in concrete is described with a regularized damage model. In order to improve the description of strain localization, a modification of the nonlocal integral regularization method is proposed. The influence of the stress state on the nonlocal interactions is introduced in the regularization method, in order to take into account the degradation of the structure (decrease of the bearing capacities) as well as the influence of free boundary conditions. This method, implemented in the finite element code Cast3M, is validated against several cases of study, by analyzing the evolution of nonlinearities from damage initiation up to failure. It allows solving several pathologies pointed out for the original nonlocal method. The comparison with experimental results shows also the capacity of the proposed model to describe the evolution of cracking in a structure. Then, the model developed is used to analyse the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures and to develop a method to quantify cracking in a multifiber beam element modelling. From 3D calculation on reinforced concrete element with the new nonlocal model developed, a uniaxial law is identified in order to estimate cracking as a function of the energy dissipated by the damage model. A comparison with experimental data is performed and shows the potentiality of this simplified approach to estimate cracking.
