Non-linear finite element modelling of reinforced concrete slabs

Abstract

This research was motivated by the occurrence of premature damage in a number of concrete bridge decks in the form of severe cracking and pot hole type of failures in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia entailing high expenses of repair and maintenance.

The primary objective of the research was to develop a generalized computer model for reinforced concrete slabs using nonlinear finite element analysis by modeling various forms of degradation in the material throughout the loading history.

The influence of several material parameters such as yield criterion of concrete, hardening of concrete, cracking of concrete, shear degradation, crushing of concrete, dowel effect and elasto-plastic behavior of steel on the failure of reinforced concrete slabs was studied. Also the structural parmeters were varied in order to study the influence of several factors on the metamorphosis in failure modes of reinforced concrete slabs.

Based on this study, the mechanisms of commonly observed failure modes including those of flexure and punching shear occurring in bridge deck slabs have been explained.