Contribution of Nonlinear Finite-Element Analysis to Evaluation of Two Structural Concrete Failures
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 16, Issue 3
Abstract
The failure of two reinforced concrete structures is recounted, one involving a warehouse structure and the other an offshore platform base structure. Design details and factors leading to the collapses are identified and discussed. The structures were subsequently analyzed using nonlinear finite-element analysis procedures, taking into account relevant second-order behavior models. The analyses provided an accurate assessment of the load capacities and failure modes observed, as well as meaningful insights into the underlying behavior mechanisms and factors leading to the failures. This paper supports the view that nonlinear analysis techniques have become useful everyday tools for design office applications, particularly in forensic work, and also gives evidence suggesting that errors in the design of modern structures can be potentially more catastrophic than in the past, and that advanced assessment techniques will assume increased importance as a result.
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References
American Concrete Institute (ACI). (1983). “Building code requirements for reinforced concrete.” Committee 318, Detroit.
ASCE. (1982). State-of-the-art report on finite element analysis of reinforced concrete, New York.
Bresler, B., and Scordelis, A. C.(1963). “Shear strength of reinforced concrete beams.” J. Am. Concr. Inst., 60(1), 51–74.
Collins, M. P., Vecchio, F. J., Selby, R. G., and Gupta, P. R.(1997). “The failure of an offshore platform,” Concr. Int., 19(8), 28–35.
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Vecchio, F. J., and Collins, M. P.(1990). “Investigating the Collapse of a Warehouse.” Concr. Int., 12(3), 72–78.
Vecchio, F. J., and Collins, M. P.(1986). “The modified compression-field theory for reinforced concrete subjected to shear.” J. Am. Concr. Inst., 83(2), 219–231.
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Copyright © 2002 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 17, 2001
Accepted: Dec 19, 2001
Published online: Jul 15, 2002
Published in print: Aug 2002
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