Optimal Force-Based Beam-Column Element Size for Reinforced-Concrete Piles in Bridges
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 21, Issue 11
Abstract
The nonobjective disadvantages of the force-based frame element, such as the nonobjective curvature prediction, have been discussed by many researchers. The trial-and-error method is commonly used to determine element size, but it could cost tremendous computational efforts. This paper proposes and analytically studies the optimal element size for reinforced-concrete piles for bridges when using force-based beam elements. In this study, the relationship between the optimum element size and integration point number is investigated, and the equivalent plastic hinge length is used and correlated to the optimal element size, on the basis of which the moment-curvature and force-displacement responses are objective and the soil effects on the pile response could be simulated sufficiently as required. The results of a case study show that both the local and global responses can be very well predicted, and the nonobjective disadvantage of the force-based element could be eliminated using the proposed optimal element size. Additionally, the optimal element size with more than two integration points is suggested for modeling the plastic hinge in the pile above the ground.
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Acknowledgments
This work is financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China under Grant SLDRCE15-B-05 and the National Natural Science Foundation of China under grants 50878147 and 51278375. This support is gratefully acknowledged. Any opinions expressed in this paper are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the sponsors. The authors also thank the Kawashima Laboratory for kindly sharing the experiment data.
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Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 21 • Issue 11 • November 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 8, 2015
Accepted: Feb 29, 2016
Published online: May 13, 2016
Discussion open until: Oct 13, 2016
Published in print: Nov 1, 2016
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