Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There is an increasing demand for the development and use of innovative materials with reduced cost of construction while offering improved structural properties. Steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) can be used as a structural material to substitute the conventional reinforcing bars partially or fully. However, there is little or no codified approach on the design procedures for SFRC members in the latest guidelines outlined in the draft 2010 Model code. It is against this background that analytical methods are derived in this study for the determination of the flexural capacity of strain-softening, deflection-hardening SFRC with and without steel reinforcing bars. Models used for the determination of the flexural capacity of SFRC rectangular sections are based on equivalent stress blocks for both compression and tensile stresses. These are derived from an elastic-perfect plastic model for compression and either an elastic-constant post-peak response or Rilem’s multi-linear model for tension, in which strain compatibility and force equilibrium theories are used. By employing the equivalent stress blocks for both tensile and compressive stress states, parameters are defined by converting the actual stress-strain distribution to an equivalent stress block, depending on the ratio of yield (or cracking) strain and post-yield (post-cracking) strains. Due to the simplicity of a drop-down tensile model and a bilinear compression model, these material models are used for the subsequent derivation of the flexural models for both SFRC with and without steel reinforcing bars. An experimental program is designed and executed for model verification. This includes material characterisation experiments for the determination of material model input parameters, and main beam flexural experiments for the determination of the beam bending capacity. An indirect tensile test is used for the characterisation of the tensile behaviour while a four-point bending test is used for beam bending behaviour. Both flexural models for SFRC with and without reinforcing bars have been verified to fairly predict the flexural capacity of the beams. However, the flexural model for SFRC with steel bars offers some challenges as to whether the synergetic effect of using both steel bars and steel fibres should be incorporated at the low fibre volumes as used in the verification exercise. Furthermore, the use of indirect methods to characterise tensile behaviour added some uncertainties in the material model parameters and hence may have affected the predictability of the model. More research on the verification of the models is required to enable the use of a wider concrete strength spectrum for the verification and possible modification of the models. Studies on the model uncertainty may also help determine the reliable safety factor for the use of the model in predicting design strength of beam sections at a prescribed reliability index. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar is ‘n groeiende aanvraag na die ontwikkeling en gebruik van innoverende materiale met verminderde konstruksiekoste maar verbeterde strukturele eienskappe. Staalvesel-gewapende beton (SVGB) kan gebruik word as strukturele materiaal om die konvensionele wapeningstawe gedeeltelik of ten volle te vervang. Daar is egter min of geen gekodifiseerde benaderings tot die ontwerpprosedures vir SVGB-dele in die nuutste riglyne uitgestippel in die konsepweergawe van die 2010 Modelkode nie. Dit is teen hierdie agtergrond dat in hierdie studie analitiese metodes afgelei is vir die bepaling van die buigkapasiteit van spanning-versagtende, defleksie-verhardende SVGB met en sonder staalbewapeningstawe. Modelle wat gebruik is vir die bepaling van die buigkapasiteit van SVGB reghoekige snitte is gebaseer op ekwivalente spanningsblokke vir beide druk- en trekspannings. Hierdie is afgelei van ‘n elasties-perfekte plastiese model vir druk en óf ‘n elasties-konstante post-piek respons óf Rilem se multi-lineêre model vir spanning, waarin teorieë vir drukkapasiteit en krag-ewewig gebruik is. Deur die ekwivalente spanningsblokke vir beide trek- en drukspanningstoestande te implementeer, is parameters bepaal deur die werklike verspreiding van spanningsdruk om te wissel na ‘n ekwivalente spanningsblok, afhangend van die verhouding van swig- (of kraak-)spanning en post-swig (post-kraak) spannings. Te wyte aan die eenvoud van ‘n aftrek trekmodel en ‘n bilineêre kompressiemodel, is hierdie materiaalmodelle gebruik vir die daaropvolgende afleiding van die buigingsmodelle vir beide SVGB met en sonder staalbewapeningstawe. ‘n Eksperimentele program vir modelkontrolering is ontwerp en uitgevoer. Dit sluit eksperimente in vir materiaalbeskrywing, om invoerparameters van materiaalmodelle te bepaal, asook eksperimente vir hoofbalkbuigings, om balkbuigingskapasiteit te bepaal. ‘n Indirekte trektoets is gebruik vir die beskrywing van die trekgedrag, terwyl ‘n vierpuntbuigingstoets gebruik is vir balkbuiggedrag. Dit is bewys dat beide buigingsmodelle vir SVGB met en sonder staalbewapeningstawe die buigingskapasiteit van die balke redelik akkuraat kan voorspel. Nietemin, bied die buigingsmodel vir SVGB met staalbewapeningstawe sekere uitdagings: die vraag ontstaan rondom die insluiting van die sinergetiese effek van die gebruik van beide staalstawe en staalvesels met die lae veselvolumes soos gebruik in die kontroleringsoefening. Verder het die gebruik van indirekte metodes om die buigingsgedrag te bepaal, onsekerhede gevoeg by die materiaalmodelparameters en dit mag dus as sulks die voorspelbaarheid van die model beïnvloed. Meer navorsing moet uitgevoer word oor die kontrolering van die modelle sodat ‘n wyer spektrum van betonsterkte gebruik kan word vir die verifikasie en moontlike aanpassing van die modelle. Navorsing oor die wisselvalligheid van die modelle mag ook help om die betroubare veiligheidsfaktor te bepaal vir die model se gebruik in die berekening van ontwerpkrag van balkdele teen ‘n voorgeskrewe betroubaarheidsindeks.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study entails the appraisal of the constitutive models available for the non linear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete, using the DIANA finite element package and following generally accepted guidelines for non linear finite element analyses. The constitutive models considered are plasticity and total strain based (fixed and rotating crack) models. The appraisal consists of the analysis of various experiments performed on reinforced concrete beams that are governed by compressive, shear and tensile dominated failures. The investigation is not limited to the accuracy of the results obtained using these models but also of the consistency of the results obtained with regard to various mesh types and sizes, as well as a study of the individual influence of several material parameters. The intention of the study was to provide the reader with an indication of the performance capacity (accuracy and consistency) of the available constitutive models, where the notion of the use of the results obtained from non linear finite element analyses for design purposes is considered. The results obtained were varied. The models performed reasonably well in the compressive and tension dominated studies, with the importance of accurate material parameters being emphasized especially for the more advanced cementitious materials investigated. The total strain rotating crack model also showed a proclivity of simulating incorrect failure modes as well as exhibiting reluctance towards stress redistribution. All models used for the shear dominated study yielded mostly inaccurate and inconsistent results, but it was found that the four node quadrilateral element with selective reduced integration performed the best. The plasticity model did not capture shear failure well, and convergence was often not attained. The constant shear retention factor of the total strain fixed crack model was found to yield more detailed response curves for the smaller mesh sizes. The results of the tension dominated beams inspired more confidence in the models as quite accurate values were attained, especially by the plasticity model used. The ability of the available models to simulate realistic structural behaviour under various failure modes is very limited, as is evident from the results obtained. The development of a more advanced and robust model is required, which can provide consistently accurate results and failure modes, and even ‘anticipate’ potential failure modes not considered by the user.

As vigas mistas configuram uma atrativa solução estrutural para pequenas e grandes obras na engenharia civil. O emprego deste tipo de estruturas proporciona: melhor aproveitamento das características de cada material, maior rapidez na construção e economia. Esta pesquisa da continuidade aos trabalhos de Tamayo (2011) e Dias (2013); apresenta-se um modelo numérico que emprega o método dos elementos finitos para avaliar o comportamento de estruturas do tipo viga mista, com foco na consideração dos efeitos de longa duração do concreto: fluência e retração; e à inclusão da protensão interna do tipo aderente, aplicada sob a laje de concreto. Implementaram-se seis modelos para predição dos fenômenos de longa duração: ACI 209R-92, Bazant-Baweja B3, CEB MC90, CEB MC99, CEB MC10 e GL2000, e disponibilizou-se uma ferramenta estatística que permite sua correta comparação. O cabo de protenssão é modelado de maneira discreta dentro do elemento de concreto e posteriormente são definidas as contribuições que o mesmo faz ao elemento de casca do concreto no qual está inserido. O Software GiD foi empregado nas etapas de pré e pós processamento, customizando sua interface para a atribuição das propriedades do problema. A validação da simulação numérica foi efetuada a partir da modelagem de 14 vigas no total, os espécimenes correspondem a vigas tanto simplesmente apoiadas como contínuas. O programa desenvolvido é capaz de modelar adequadamente estruturas do tipo viga mista, com protensão aderente instalada na laje de concreto; considerando uma análise ao longo do tempo e levando em conta os efeitos da fluência e da retração que afetam o concreto. / The composite beams constitute an attractive structural solution for small and large projects in civil engineering. The use of such structures provides better use of the characteristics of each material, faster construction and economy. This research continues the work of Tamayo (2011) and Dias (2013); it presents a numerical model employing the finite element method to evaluate composite beam structures, focusing on the long-term effects of concrete: creep and shrinkage; and the inclusion of internal adherent prestressing, applied under the concrete slab. Six models were implemented for the prediction of long-term effects: ACI 209R-92, Bazant-Baweja B3, CEB MC90, CEB MC99, CEB MC10 and GL2000, and provided a statistical tool that allows the correct comparison between them. The prestressed cable is modeled discretely within the concrete element and are further defined the contributions that it makes to the concrete shell element in which it is inserted. The GiD Software was used in the stages of pre and post processing, and its interface was customized for assigning the problem properties. The validation of numerical simulation was performed by full modeling 14 beams; the specimens correspond to both simply supported as continuous beams. The developed program is able to adequately model prestressed composite beam structures; considering the long-term effects of creep and shrinkage, that affects the concrete.

No description available.

The study presents the results of an experimental and analytical investigation aimed at examining the lateral stability of rectangular reinforced concrete slender beams. In the experimental part of the investigation, a total of eleven reinforced concrete beams having a depth to width ratio between 10.20 and 12.45 and a length to width ratio between 96 and 156 were tested. Beam thickness, depth and unbraced length were 1.5 to 3.0 in., 18 to 44 in., and 12 to 39.75 ft, respectively. Each beam was subjected to a single concentrated load applied at midspan by means of a gravity load simulator that allowed the load to always remain vertical when the section displaces out of plane. The loading mechanism minimized the lateral translational and rotational restraints at the load application point to simulate the nature of gravity load. Each beam was simply-supported in and out of plane at the ends. The supports allowed warping deformations, yet prevented twisting rotations at the beam ends. In the analytical part of the study, a formula was developed for determining the critical loads of lateral torsional buckling of rectangular reinforced concrete beams free from initial geometric imperfections. The influences of shrinkage cracking and inelastic stress-strain properties of concrete and the contribution of longitudinal reinforcement to the lateral stability are accounted for in the critical load formula. The experiments showed that the limit load of a concrete beam with initial geometric imperfections can be significantly lower than the critical load corresponding to its geometrically perfect configuration. Accordingly, a second formula was developed for the estimation of limit loads of reinforced concrete beams with initial lateral imperfections, by introducing the destabilizing effect of sweep to the critical load formula. The experimental results were compared to the proposed analytical solution and to various lateral torsional buckling solutions in the literature. The formulation proposed in the present study was found to agree well with the experimental results. The incorporation of the geometric and material nonlinearities into the formula makes the proposed solution superior to the previous lateral torsional buckling solutions for rectangular reinforced concrete beams.

The spans of precast prestressed concrete bridge girders have become longer to provide more economical and safer transportation structures. As the spans have increased, so has the depth of the girders which in turn have increased the slenderness of the girders. Slenderness in a beam or girder would increase the likelihood that a stability failure would occur. Stability failures could pose a danger to construction personnel due to the sudden nature in which a stability failure would occur. Furthermore, stability failures of prestressed concrete girders during construction would cause a detrimental economic impact due to the costs associated with the failure of the girder, the ensuing construction delays, damage to construction equipment and potential closures to highways over which the bridge was being constructed. An experimental and analytical study was performed to determine the stability behavior of prestressed concrete beams. Two stability phenomenons were investigated: (1) lateral-torsional buckling and (2) global stability. An emphasis was placed on the effects of initial imperfections on the stability behavior; the effect elastomeric bearing pads and support rotational stiffness was investigated. The experimental study involved testing six rectangular prestressed concrete beams for lateral-torsional buckling, a PCI BT-54 for thermal deformations and the same PCI BT-54 for global stability. The 32-ft. long rectangular beams were 4-in. wide and 40-in. deep. The PCI BT-54 had a 100-ft. long span. A material and geometric nonlinear, incremental load analysis was performed on the six rectangular beams. The nonlinear analyses matched the experimental load versus lateral displacement and load versus rotation behavior, and the analysis predicted the experimental maximum load within an error of 2%. The nonlinear analysis was extrapolated to several different initial imperfection conditions to parametrically study the effect of initial lateral displacement and initial rotation on the inelastic lateral-torsional buckling load. A simplified expression for lateral-torsional stability of beams with initial imperfections was developed. The data from the parametric study were used to develop reduction parameters for both initial sweep and initial rotation. The rollover stability behavior of the PCI BT-54 was investigated experimentally, and it was found that support end rotations and the elastomeric bearing pads had an adverse effect on the global stability. The nonlinear analysis was employed with the addition of a bearing pad model. It was found that the behavior was sensitive to the bearing pad stiffness properties and the assumption of uniform bearing. From the research, it was apparent that rollover stability was the controlling stability phenomenon for precast prestressed concrete bridge girders, not lateral-torsional buckling.

No description available.

Bibliography: leaves 140-144. / xix, 156 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Determines the effect of partial-interaction and interfacial friction on the fatigue behaviour of composite bridge beams and develops a set of design rules for the assessment of the residual strength and performance of composite bridge beams. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1999

A structure subjected to extreme load due to explosion or human error may lead to progressive collapse. One of the direct methods specified by design guidelines for assessing progressive collapse is the Alternate Load Path method which involves removal of a structural member and analysing the structure to assess its potential of bridging over the removed member without collapse. The use of this method in assessing progressive collapse therefore requires that the vertical load resistance function of the bridging beam assembly, which for a typical laterally restrained reinforced concrete (RC) beams include flexural, compressive arching action and catenary action, be accurately predicted. In this thesis, a comprehensive study on a reliable prediction of the resistance function for the bridging RC beam assemblies is conducted, with a particular focus on a) the arching effect, and b) the catenary effect considering strength degradations. A critical analysis of the effect of axial restraint, flexural reinforcement ratio and span-depth ratio on compressive arching action are evaluated in quantitative terms. A more detailed theoretical model for the prediction of load-displacement behaviour of RC beam assemblies within the compressive arching response regime is presented. The proposed model takes into account the compounding effect of bending and arching from both the deformation and force points of view. Comparisons with experimental results show good agreement. Following the compressive arching action, catenary action can develop at a much larger displacement regime, and this action could help address collapse. A complete resistance function should adequately account for the catenary action as well as the arching effect. To this end, a generic catenary model which takes into consideration the strength degradation due to local failure events (e.g. rupture of bottom rebar or fracture of a steel weld) and the eventual failure limit is proposed. The application of the model in predicting the resistance function in beam assemblies with strength degradations is discussed. The validity of the proposed model is checked against predictions from finite element model and experimental tests. The result indicate that strength degradation can be accurately captured by the model. Finally, the above developed model framework is employed in investigative studies to demonstrate the application of the resistance functions in a dynamic analysis procedure, as well as the significance of the compressive arching effect and the catenary action in the progressive collapse resistance in different designs. The importance of an accurate prediction of the arching effect and the limiting displacement for the catenary action is highlighted.

As vigas mistas configuram uma atrativa solução estrutural para pequenas e grandes obras na engenharia civil. O emprego deste tipo de estruturas proporciona: melhor aproveitamento das características de cada material, maior rapidez na construção e economia. Esta pesquisa da continuidade aos trabalhos de Tamayo (2011) e Dias (2013); apresenta-se um modelo numérico que emprega o método dos elementos finitos para avaliar o comportamento de estruturas do tipo viga mista, com foco na consideração dos efeitos de longa duração do concreto: fluência e retração; e à inclusão da protensão interna do tipo aderente, aplicada sob a laje de concreto. Implementaram-se seis modelos para predição dos fenômenos de longa duração: ACI 209R-92, Bazant-Baweja B3, CEB MC90, CEB MC99, CEB MC10 e GL2000, e disponibilizou-se uma ferramenta estatística que permite sua correta comparação. O cabo de protenssão é modelado de maneira discreta dentro do elemento de concreto e posteriormente são definidas as contribuições que o mesmo faz ao elemento de casca do concreto no qual está inserido. O Software GiD foi empregado nas etapas de pré e pós processamento, customizando sua interface para a atribuição das propriedades do problema. A validação da simulação numérica foi efetuada a partir da modelagem de 14 vigas no total, os espécimenes correspondem a vigas tanto simplesmente apoiadas como contínuas. O programa desenvolvido é capaz de modelar adequadamente estruturas do tipo viga mista, com protensão aderente instalada na laje de concreto; considerando uma análise ao longo do tempo e levando em conta os efeitos da fluência e da retração que afetam o concreto. / The composite beams constitute an attractive structural solution for small and large projects in civil engineering. The use of such structures provides better use of the characteristics of each material, faster construction and economy. This research continues the work of Tamayo (2011) and Dias (2013); it presents a numerical model employing the finite element method to evaluate composite beam structures, focusing on the long-term effects of concrete: creep and shrinkage; and the inclusion of internal adherent prestressing, applied under the concrete slab. Six models were implemented for the prediction of long-term effects: ACI 209R-92, Bazant-Baweja B3, CEB MC90, CEB MC99, CEB MC10 and GL2000, and provided a statistical tool that allows the correct comparison between them. The prestressed cable is modeled discretely within the concrete element and are further defined the contributions that it makes to the concrete shell element in which it is inserted. The GiD Software was used in the stages of pre and post processing, and its interface was customized for assigning the problem properties. The validation of numerical simulation was performed by full modeling 14 beams; the specimens correspond to both simply supported as continuous beams. The developed program is able to adequately model prestressed composite beam structures; considering the long-term effects of creep and shrinkage, that affects the concrete.