Abstract
The paper presents the results of an investigation on the diagnosis and assessment of a full-scale reinforced concrete floor utilizing a 3-D forensic model developed in the framework of plasticity-damage approach. Despite the advancement in nonlinear finite element formulations and models, there is a need to verify models on nontrivial challenging structures. Various standards on strengthening existing structures consider numerical diagnosis as a major stage involving safety and economical aspects. Accordingly, model validity is a major issue that should preferably be examined against realistic large-scale tests. This was done in this study by investigating a one-story joist floor with wide shallow beams supported on columns. The surveyed cracking patterns on the entire top side of the floor were reproduced by the forensic model to a reasonable degree in terms of orientation and general location. Concrete principal plastic tensile strain was shown to be a good indirect indicator of cracking patterns. However, identifying the underlying reasons of major cracks in the floor required correlating with other key field parameters including deflections, and internal moments. Therefore, the ability of the forensic model to reproduce the surveyed damage state of the floor provided a positive indication on the material models, spatial representation, and parameter selection. Such models can be used as forensic tools for assessing the existing conditions as required by various standards and codes.
Highlights
Many existing Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures show a number of situations where the load carrying capacity of a structure in service may need to be increased, like where there is a change of loading of use, or where the structure has been damaged
From the perspective of forensic studies in relation to damaged or ageing structures, Nonlinear finite element (NLFE) can be can be of value to assess the safety and integrity of existing structures; identify causes of deficiencies; and to assess the behavior expected from retrofitted structures
This paper presented the results of an investigation on the diagnosis and assessment of an existing structure employing a nonlinear forensic model
Summary
Many existing Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures show a number of situations where the load carrying capacity of a structure in service may need to be increased, like where there is a change of loading of use, or where the structure has been damaged. Because proper diagnosis has strong implications on various aspects of the structure including strength, strengthening cost, safety, etc., robust reliable 3-D forensic models are crucial for real life full- three dimensional structures. Nonlinear finite element (NLFE) for reinforced concrete structures has many applications [4, 5] including: providing an insight into the behavior; predicting possible modes of failure; corroborating the experimental findings; and extending the findings to locations where measurements are not available. From the perspective of forensic studies in relation to damaged or ageing structures, NLFE can be can be of value to assess the safety and integrity of existing structures; identify causes of deficiencies; and to assess the behavior expected from retrofitted structures. NLFE models comprise various theories, elements and procedures where some limitations, shortcomings and complexity were reported [34, 35]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
