A non-linear finite element approach for the analysis of mode-I free edge delamination in composites

Finite element analyses help develop a diagnostic aid for masonry

Nonlinear and sequentially linear analysis of tensile strain hardening cement-based composite beams in flexure

Nonlinear and sequentially linear analysis of tensile strain hardening cement-based composite beams in flexure

Calculation of benchmarks with a shear beam model

Fiber models for beam and shell elements allow for relatively rapid finite element analysis of concrete structures and structural elements. This project aims at the development of the formulation of such elements and a pilot implementation. Standard nonlinear fiber beam formulations do not account for shear effects and cannot capture all failure...

Two solution strategies to improve the computational performance of Sequentially Linear Analysis for quasi-brittle structures

Sequentially linear analysis (SLA), an event-by-event procedure for finite element (FE) simulation of quasi-brittle materials, is based on sequentially identifying a critical integration point in the FE model, to reduce its strength and stiffness, and the corresponding critical load multiplier (λ _crit), to scale the linear analysis...

Compliant Fluidic Control Structures: Concept and synthesis approach

The concept and synthesis approach for planar Compliant Fluidic Control Structures (CFCSs), monolithic flexible continua with embedded functional pores, is presented in this manuscript. Such structures are envisioned to find application in biomedicine as tunable microfluidic devices for drug/nutrient delivery. The functional pores enlarge and...

Automated optimization-based generation and quantitative evaluation of Strut-and-Tie models

Strut-and-Tie modelling (STM) is a well-known approach to design D-regions in reinforced concrete structures. Because the STM method is based on lower-bound analysis, finding a suitable truss-analogy model is the most important aspect to guarantee good structural and economic performance of a resulting design. Continuum topology optimization ...

Towards a systematic design approach of D-regions in reinforced concrete: Optimization-based generation of Strut-and-Tie models

Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures are widely used in our society for more than a century. In order to design safe and economical RC structures, various methods have been proposed by engineers and researchers. Remarkably, it still is a challenging task for engineers to design D-regions of RC structures, regions with nonlinear strain...

Analytical formulations and comparison of collapse models for risk analysis of axisymmetrically imperfect ring-stiffened cylinders under hydrostatic pressure

Risk-based design of marine pressure hulls require computationally efficient and precise models predicting collapse pressures of ring stiffened cylindrical shells as a function of realistic geometrical imperfections. However, the empirical interframe collapse models commonly implemented in design codes do not explicitly depend on...

Quantification of the resistance modeling uncertainty of 19 alternative 2D nonlinear finite element approaches benchmarked against 101 experiments on reinforced concrete beams

Nineteen 2D nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) solution strategies were benchmarked against a wide variety of 101 experiments on reinforced concrete beams failing in bending, flexural shear, or shear compression. The relatively high number of solution strategies was motivated by the conviction that choices for the constitutive models,...

Optimization-based strut-and-tie model generation for reinforced concrete structures under multiple load conditions

Strut-and-Tie modelling (STM) has been widely applied to design D-regions of reinforced concrete structures. For economic and environmental reasons there is a need for optimized Strut-and-Tie models. How to optimize Strut-and-Tie models considering multiple load combinations has not been investigated extensively in the literature. In order to...

Finite Element Modeling of Shear Failure in Prestressed Girders with a Continuous Cast-In-Situ Deck Slab

For structures whose structural safety cannot be demonstrated using the applicable code regulations, a nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) can be used to investigate the structural behavior and maximum load capacity. The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management uses a dedicated guideline for NLFEA in such an assessment....

Influences of Element Types on Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of a Concrete Column Under Near-Field Blast Loading

Due to the accompanying severe consequences of explosions, the blast puts a great threat to public security. Nonlinear finite element analysis is a possible method for civil engineers to check the integrity of the structures under blast loading without underestimating the limit of the structures. However, different choices of element types...

System behaviour in prestressed concrete T-beam bridges

About 70 prestressed concrete T-beam bridges, constructed in the Netherlands between 1953–1977, are still in use today with many located in the main highway network. This type of bridge consists of prefabricated and prestressed T-shaped beams, with an integrated deck slab, cross-beams and transverse prestressing. Even if these bridges are well...