Winkler spring behavior in FE analyses of dowel action in statically loaded RC cracks

Abstract

A nonlinear finite element modeling approach is developed to assess the behavior of a dowel bar embedded on a single concrete block substrate, subjected to monotonic loading. In this approach, a discrete representation of the steel reinforcing bar is considered, using beam finite elements with nonlinear material behavior. The bar is connected to the concrete embedment through nonlinear Winkler spring elements. This modeling approach can only be used if a new constitutive model is developed for the spring elements, to simulate the deformability and strength of the concrete substrate. To define this constitutive model, an extensive literature review was conducted, as well as 3 experimental tests, in order to select the experimental data which can be used in the calibration of the model. Based on this data, an empirical model was established to predict the global dowel response, for a wide range of bar diameters and concrete strengths. This empirical model provided the information needed for calibration of the nonlinear Winkler spring model, valid for dowel displacements up to 4 mm. This new constitutive model is composed by 5 stages, in order to reproduce the concrete substrate response.