Calculation of the energy release rate with finite element method (FEM ) is conducted. The concrete beam model is meshed using a method without need of considering the crack-tip singular element. Two columns of nodes, which belong to the right-and left-parts of the beam, respectively, are generated on the central line of the model and released one after another in a proper sequence. Energy release rate is evaluated based on the virtual crack closure technique. Comparison between the calculated values and theoretical values is made, which shows that they are in good agreement.