The problem of the evaluation of the nonlinear response of damaged structures is considered. In order to circumvent the numerical difficulties which can affect standard numerical strategies because of the high sensitivity of the stress response to small changes of displacements, a specific implementation of the standard path–following procedure is presented. The approach is based on a parametrization of the equilibrium curve which takes into account also the variables used in the modelling of the damage process. Two damage models, an isotropic one and an orthotropic one, are implemented in order to verify the numerical procedure in the analysis of 2D continua subjected to plane stress condition
