Probabilistic Modeling of Concrete Structures

Abstract

The model is compatible with the finite element analysis and therefore useful in parametric studies involving pertinent strength variables and in analysis and design of concrete structural systems. Specifically, a probabilistic model of spatial variation of concrete strength is considered and the corresponding statistical size effect is analyzed. The same model of concrete strength is also used in a failure analysis: (1) to illustrate the fact that the locations of crack initiation and the minimum load associated with it are statistically different from specimen to specimen; and (2) to reproduce, with the aid of the digital simulation technique, these locations and minimum loads. Finally, a method of digital simulation of multivariate-multidimensional random functions is described, demonstrating its usefulness in a structural concrete problem with the aid of numerical examples.