Nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete slabs: Comparison of safety formats

According to the new fib Model Code 2010 the design shear resistance of a reinforced concrete (RC) structure can be evaluated through analytical and numerical calculation methods that fall into four different levels of approximations; the complexity and the accuracy of the calculated shear resistance increases with increasing the level of...

Non-Linear Finite Element Analyses of Existing Reinforced Concrete Bridge Beams

Three years ago, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment initiated a project to re-evaluate the carrying capacity of existing bridges and viaducts (e.g. reinforced and pre-stressed concrete beams and slabs). Due to the increase of traffic and the reallocation of emergency lanes to traffic lanes, the safety verification of some...

Non-linear finite element analyses applicable for the design of large reinforced concrete structures

In order to make non-linear finite element analyses applicable during assessments of the ultimate load capacity or the structural reliability of large reinforced concrete structures, there is need for an efficient solution strategy with a low modelling uncertainty. A solution strategy comprises choices regarding force equilibrium, kinematic...

Treatment of modelling uncertainty of NLFEA in fib Model Code 2020

When non-linear finite element analyses are used in design of new or assessment of existing concrete structures, one should account for the modelling uncertainty before conclusions are drawn based on the results. The present article describes the basis for how this topic is treated in the draft of fib Model Code 2020. There are two components...