Abstract
Experimental testing was used widely as a means to investigate the behavior of these individual elements and the effects of concrete strength under different loading types. While this method represents real life responses, it is very time consuming and the use of materials can be quite costly. Recently, the use of finite element analysis (FEA) has increased due to advances in knowledge and the capabilities of computer hardware and software. The utilization of computer software to model the structural elements has become much faster and extremely cost-effective. The finite element software ANSYS 11.0 is used for modeling and analysis by conducting non-linear static analysis. This research work used nonlinear finite element analysis for a reinforced concrete beam in order to show the potential of the FEA for studying the behavior of reinforced concrete elements, and to understand their load-deflection response along with the crack evolution. For concrete a solid 65 element was used, while for the reinforcement steel bar link 8 elements were used. For the material constitutive model linear and multi-linear behavior for concrete were considered, while linear and bilinear behavior were considered for the reinforcement bar. A reinforced concrete beam model is studied and compared with experimental data from the literature. The characteristic points on the load-deflection response curve predicted using finite element analysis, were compared to the theoretical limit (hand-calculated) results. Conclusions were then drawn as to the accuracy of using finite element modeling for the analysis of reinforced concrete elements. The results showed a good match to experimental and hand calculations.
Highlights
The use of finite element analysis (FEA) has been the preferred method to study the behavior of concrete
The objective of this study is to investigate and evaluate the use of the potential of the FEA to investigate the behavior of reinforced concrete beams and to understand their load-deflection response, along with the crack evolution
A mild-steel reinforced concrete beam with flexural and shear reinforcement was analyzed to failure and compared to the experimental results to calibrate the parameters in ANSYS for later analysis
Summary
The use of FEA has been the preferred method to study the behavior of concrete (for economic reasons). Willam and Tanabe [6], contain a collection of papers concerning the finite element analysis of reinforced concrete structures This collection contains areas of study such as: the seismic behavior of structures, the cyclic loading of reinforced concrete columns, the shear failure of reinforced concrete beams, and concrete steel bond models. The monograph contains contributions that outline the applications of the finite element method for studying post-peak cyclic behavior and the ductility of reinforced concrete columns, along with the analysis of reinforced concrete components in bridge seismic structures. The Willam-Warnke failure model was used and the solid element with eight nodes was considered for the concrete and reinforced concrete since this element has the properties of cracking under tension, creep, crushing under compression and plastic deformation.
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