ABSTRACT
Existing infrastructure represents a substantial part of the societal assets and existing bridges represent a huge capital that need to be well administrated. Bridge deck slabs are among the most exposed bridge parts and are often critical for punching failure. Consequently, it is important to examine if the current assessment and analysis methods are appropriate.
Nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) has been proved to be an enhanced method to evaluate the punching capacity of Reinforced Concrete (RC) slabs with high level of accuracy. However, even though nonlinear FEA has been used increasingly for the assessment of existing structures, building codes do not provide specific guidance on how to perform these analyses. Therefore, the overall aim of this study is to investigate how accurate the response of slabs can be predicted with nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis, and how the modelling choices might influence the analysis results.
The study was conducted by carrying out nonlinear FE analysis for RC slabs subjected to punching failure, using three-dimensional (3D) continuum elements. The load-carrying capacity, load-deflection response and crack pattern of the slabs were compared to experimental data available. The influence of several modelling parameters was investigated, including element properties, material model of concrete, reinforcement ratio and size effect.
Nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) has been proved to be an enhanced method to evaluate the punching capacity of Reinforced Concrete (RC) slabs with high level of accuracy. However, even though nonlinear FEA has been used increasingly for the assessment of existing structures, building codes do not provide specific guidance on how to perform these analyses. Therefore, the overall aim of this study is to investigate how accurate the response of slabs can be predicted with nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis, and how the modelling choices might influence the analysis results.
