The cyclic load effect on the elasticity and plasticity deformation of high-strength reinforced concrete elements

Abstract

This article investigates the degradation of stiffness in high and standard-strength concrete due to the influence of repeated loading and considers the non-linear behavior arising from localized or natural defects of concrete. The article also refers to the models from existing literature that evaluate the characteristics of concrete by enhancing its physicochemical properties through the application of natural and synthetic fibers. The impact of the service load, which influences the change in concrete stiffness, is illustrated using the elastic–plastic concrete model. The elastic–plastic model of concrete, combined with experimentally determined data such as elastic and residual deformations, simplifies the analysis of concrete beams or surface elements. This model enables static solutions of inelastic materials based on the classical theory of elasticity. The degradation of element stiffness in this model is described by the local increment of the rotation angle. Based on the model we can assume a constant stiffness along the length of the beam before as well as after exceeding the value of the cracking moment. In the case of cyclic loads, it can be assumed that residual deformations have the greatest influence on the displacement values, which in the calculation model are described by the component of the angle of rotation in the crack, describing permanent displacements.