ABSTRACT
In this paper, three dimensional (3D) nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) results of 04 high performance fiber reinforced concrete (HPFRC) beams containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers are presented. The results of FEA are validated by the results of laboratory tests of 04 HPFRC beams having similar rectangular cross-section of 100 × 200 mm and 1500 mm long. Testing of all beams was carried out under three-point bending condition to ensure flexural failure. Among the 04 beams, 01 beam was cast using plain concrete without fibers and used as a control beam. Rests of the 03 beams were reinforced with 1, 2 and 3% of PVA fibers volume. Test results were examined in terms of maximum load and corresponding mid span deflection attained by the beams prior to the failure. The maximum strains were likewise obtained by using strain gages. These experimental results were used to verify the FEA results obtained by simulating all beams in nonlinear finite element program ATENA 3D. Both FEA and experimental results showed good agreement with each other in terms of maximum load, load vs. mid-span deflection patterns and maximum tensile strains.
