Extended experimental and numerical investigations on constraint forces from imposed deformations

Abstract

AbstractConstraint forces are directly proportional to the stiffness of the system, so the size of the constraining force reduction depends on the ability of the system to reduce stiffness by the cracking of concrete, the plasticizing of reinforcement, or a time‐dependent process. Constraint forces can be differentiated in two cases: internal forces due to constraints that have the same or opposite action effects as the load in the relevant cross sections. For the first case, extensive experimental investigations have already been performed, and the results have been presented. For the second case, new extended experimental and numerical investigations were carried out to understand the development of the constraint. In these new tests, the concrete strength, percentage of reinforcement, and slenderness were varied. The obtained results serve to assess how constrained forces can be considered in the design of concrete structures.