Finite element modelling reinforced concrete beam in transverse bending zone

Abstract

Abstract The article presents methods and results of studying the stress-strain state of a reinforced concrete beam in its area of transverse bending, using the finite element models. The advantage of the finite element modelling method is relative simplicity of mechanical and physical interpretation of the finite element models. Herein, we present a description of finite element model and the method for numerical investigation during its loading and evaluation of the stress-strain state. Testing of the finite element models were performed using different lengths of shear span, taking into account the inelastic properties of concrete. During the models’ tests, the process of cracks formation and development was studied while taking into account the bond of reinforcement to concrete, which changes in line with the adopted law. We also evaluated the parameters of stress-strain state of the beam blocks separated by cracks and the stressed state of concrete at the tip of an inclined crack, depending on the loading level. Based on the results of numerical experiment, we obtained distribution patterns of principal stresses for the concrete and those of shear stresses along the reinforcement and concrete contact surface, depending on the level of loading, the degree of bond failure and the length of shear span.