Finite-Element Limit Analysis for Solid Modeling of Reinforced Concrete
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 147, Issue 5
Abstract
Complex triaxial stress states are present in many reinforced concrete structures. These structures are often analyzed using simple hand calculations based on methods designed for plane structures. However, this can result in designs that are inefficient and excessive in material usage. This paper introduces finite-element limit analysis (FELA) for modeling of reinforced concrete structures, with separate modeling of concrete and reinforcement in a so far unseen scale. The method provides results for the capacity as well as the stress state and failure mechanism in the ultimate limit state. The FELA framework uses solid elements together with the modified Mohr-Coulomb and von Mises yield criteria. The framework uses a computationally inexpensive tetrahedral FELA element, which makes it possible to model rebar details in three dimensions (3D) with adequate discretization. The framework is demonstrated in two examples, one for verification and one showing the practical use of the framework by analyzing a tension connection with overlapping U-bars. The numerical results are compared with the failure mechanism and capacity from experiments.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The work presented in this paper has been financially supported by the Innovation Fund Denmark (Grant No. 9065-00056B) and the COWI Foundation (Grant No. T-143.08). The first author would like to thank and recognize the work done by Nikolaj Skafte Koch in their joint master’s thesis, which has served as a basis for this paper.
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 147 • Issue 5 • May 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 1, 2020
Accepted: Dec 2, 2020
Published online: Mar 4, 2021
Published in print: May 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Aug 4, 2021
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