Prediction of ultimate load capacity of high-strength reinforced concrete corbels

الملخص EN

A study on the behavior of reinforced high-strength concrete corbels is carried out using nonlinear finite element analysis and a simplified softened strut-and-tie model.

In the numerical analysis, eight-node isoparametric plane stress elements are employed to model the concrete material.

An elastic-strain hardening plasticity approach combined with cracking damage is used in modeling the concrete behavior.

The reinforcing bars are treated as embedded elements and are considered as elastic-perfectly plastic material.

In the analytical method, the analysis is based on truss analogy following the provisions of Appendix A of the ACI 318-05 Code.

Strength predictions of both methods correlate well with the 34 test results of corbels available from the literature.

It was concluded that the adopted finite element model is a powerful tool for the analysis of such disturbed region.

Also the simple truss model used proved to be a suitable design tool for these members.

The finite element method can be used in conjunction with the truss analogy for optimum design.