Concrete Subjected to Triaxial Stress States: Application to Pull-Out Analyses

This paper presents the application of three-dimensional (3D)-constitutive models for concrete formulated in the framework of plasticity theory to structural analyses of anchor devices. For this purpose, two commonly employed concrete material models are considered. The first model, the extended Leon model, is based on one yield surface for the description of compressive and tensile failure of concrete. The second material model is a multisurface plasticity model consisting of three Rankine yield surfaces and a Drucker–Prager yield surface. The predictive capability of the models is demonstrated by means of anchor devices, commonly employed in structural engineering for the connection of steel and concrete members. Such devices induce strongly nonuniform triaxial stress states in the surrounding concrete, ranging from tensile, overcompressive, to confined compressive stress states. In the vicinity of the anchor head, even nearly hydrostatic stress states may occur. The numerical simulations on the basis of the employed 3D material models for concrete give insight into the load-carrying behavior of the investigated anchor devices. Two headed studs characterized by different shapes of the anchor head and an undercut anchor are considered. Comparison of the peak loads and failure modes of the respective anchor device predicted by the numerical models with experimental data highlight the strength and weakness of the employed material models. It is shown that some load cases may lead to rather large differences in peak load depending on the choice of material model. These differences are based on the individual properties of the constitutive models for concrete and, hence, detailed knowledge of the model under consideration is essential for giving accurate estimates of the peak load of the anchor device and the failure mode of concrete.