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...

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...

A cohesive element based model to describe facture and cohesive healing in elastomers

Several polymeric systems with intrinsic Self-Healing (SH) capabilities have been reported in literature. Many of them showed healing upon contact across the crack interface. Different parameters such as contact time, temperature, pressure or chemical activity determine the degree of healing obtained. In this work, a numerical simulation of the...

A cohesive elements based model to describe fracture and cohesive healing in elastomers

Several polymeric systems with intrinsic Self-Healing (SH) capabilities have been reported in literature. Many of them showed healing upon contact across the crack interface. Different parameters such as contact time, temperature, pressure or chemical activity determine the degree of healing obtained. In this work, a numerical simulation of the...

Numerical prediction of the response of a squat shear wall sunjected to monotonic loading through PARC_CL model

The paper adopts the FEM to describe the behaviour of a squat shear wall subjected to monotonic loading conditions. Nonlinear finite element analyses (NLFEA) have been performed with the model, denoted as PARC_CL, implemented at the University of Parma in the user’s subroutine UMAT.for for the ABAQUS Code. The PARC_CL model, suitable for...

Shear and punching capacity predictions for slabs under concentrated loads aided by lefea

One-way slabs under concentrated loads may fail by one-way shear, punching, flexure or a mixed-mode between them. This study examines the benefits of using Linear Elastic Finite Element Analyses (LEFEA) combined with analytical expressions to predict the shear and punching capacities of such slabs. Besides, the determination of the most...

The static strength of uniplanar and multiplanar tubular T- and X- joints

The static strenght of i-beam to circular hollow section column connections

Semi-rigid connections between I-section beams and tubular columns can be used economically for buildings and offshore structures. The lack of stiffening plates allows the fabrication of these connections in a cost effective way. Furthermore, by taking into account the connection strength and stiffness, the connections are also economically in...

Fundamental issues in finite element analyses of localization of deformation

Stochastic approaches for damage evolution in standard and non-standard continua

Fire-exposed continuous span composite steel-concrete slabs

From experimental evidence, it was concluded that existing rules for the calculation of the behaviour of fire-exposed composite beams and slabs often lead to conservative solutions. Furthermore, the range of common applications had grown beyond the limits of existing calculation rules. It was felt that existing rules lacked a fundamental basis,...

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...

NLFEA of one-way slabs in transition between shear and punching: Recommendations for modeling

Several studies investigated the precision of non-linear finite element analyses (NLFEA) to predict the shear capacity of beams or the punching capacity of slab-column connections. However, in the literature, there is little discussion regarding the results of NLFEA to predict the ultimate capacity and failure mechanism of slabs susceptible...

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...

Behavior and punching capacity of flat slabs with the rational use of UHPFRC: NLFEA and analytical predictions

The outstanding mechanical properties of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) can be used to improve the punching behavior of new slab-column connections. This study investigates the punching capacity of flat slab-column connections built with a rational combination of normal strength concrete (NSC) and UHPFRC in critical...