Three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete horizontally curved deep beams

Abstract EN

This research deals with the analysis of reinforced concrete horizontally curved deep beams, loaded transversely to its plane, using a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model in the pre and post cracking levels and up to the ultimate load.

The 20-node isoparametric brick element with sixty degrees of freedom is employed to model the concrete, while the reinforcing bars are modeled as axial members embedded within the concrete brick element.

Perfect bond between the concrete and the reinforcing bars is assumed.

The behavior of concrete in compression is simulated by an elastic-plastic work hardening model followed by a perfect plastic response, which is terminated at the onset of crushing.

In tension, a fixed smeared crack model has been used with a tension-stiffening model to represent the retained post-cracking tensile stress.

Also, a shear retention model that modifies the shear modulus after cracking is used.

Numerical study is carried out to investigate some of effects on the behavior of reinforced concrete horizontally curved beams such as the shear length to effective depth ratio (a / d) on the ultimate load resisted by curved beams and the effect of the central subtended angle, boundary conditions, amount of transverse reinforcement, and using additional longitudinal bars (horizontal shear reinforcement) on the behavior of reinforced concrete horizontally curved beams with different shear length to effective depth ratios (a / d).