This work aims to investigate the ultimate capacity of reinforced concrete elements in terms of cracking and stiffness loss. Nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) was performed in the ATENA software and compared with a proposed numerical simulation of nonlinear static analysis (NLSA), where material cracking is evaluated based on the loss of tangent stiffness of the elements. The analysis was applied to a low-rise reinforced concrete frame with constant axial loads in the columns, and monotonic lateral load applied at the top beam level. Both methodologies showed good agreement regarding the capacity curve and crack patterns, and the numerical simulation NLSA allowed the identification of the sequence of elements' stiffness loss. The results indicated a substantial similarity between the numerical simulation NLFEA and NLSA and the experimental test, indicating a high potential in predicting the nonlinear behavior of reinforced concrete.
In this study, the capacity and ultimate behavior of Reinforced Concrete (RC) and Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) beams are evaluated. Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (NLFEA) and the inverse analysis technique were used to model its structural response using the ATENA finite element software. The smeared crack approach, the crack band model, and advanced constitutive models were used to reproduce concrete fracture. The analyzed beams were subjected to rupture in a four-point bending test setup. The relationship between the shear span and the depth of the beams was 1.5. Four scenarios were analyzed, RC beams with and without stirrups, and SFRC beams without stirrups with volumes of 0.57% and 0.76%. The results obtained in the modeling are discussed in terms of the ability of the models to numerically reproduce the relationships: load versus displacement, load versus strain, crack patterns, and failure modes. The analysis techniques allowed to reproduce the experimental response of the beams with good agreement. They show great potential to solve structural engineering problems
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