Nonlinear finite element analysis of fibre reinforced concrete deep beams

Abstract

A study on the behaviour of fibre reinforced concrete deep beams with and without web openings is carried out using nonlinear finite element analysis. Eight node isoparametric plane stress elements are employed to model the fibre reinforced concrete materials. Steel bars are treated using a compatible three node truss elements. The constitutive equations for fibre reinforced concrete materials take into account the softening effect of co-existing shear strains. Element stiffness at each step is formulated based on the tangent modulus at the current level of principal strains. Transformation between principal directions and global coordinate system is imposed. Comparison of analytical results with experimental values indicates reasonably good agreement. The proposed numerical model can be used to study the behaviour of this composite structures of practically any geometries.