Analysis of reinforced and prestressed concrete slabs by finite element method

Abstract

<p>The finite element model, which includes the bond slip, dowel action and the tension stiffening effects in reinforced and prestressed concrete slabs, has been developed. Based on the previous investigations in this area, the emphasis of the present study is placed on investigating the influences of the three factors above on the predicted response of the concrete slabs.</p> <p>The bond slip and dowel action effects are modelled by interface elements which join the steel elements to the concrete elements and are able to transfer internal stresses from concrete to steel bar or vice versa. Modelling of the tension stiffening effect is based on a fracture mechanics approach. The concept of this model is that an opposite and equal magnitude of existing tensile stress which is equal to or greater than the tensile strength of concrete is applied to a newly cracked surface in order to eliminate the stress which was left on the new crack surface due to the smeared cracking model and to include the tension stiffening effect.</p> <p>Two numerical examples of a simply supported reinforced concrete slab and a post-tensioned concrete deck are presented. The results of the examples are compared with the test data and the analytical results obtained by other investigator and were found to be in fairly good agreement.</p>