Computational modeling of plain and steel fiber-reinforced concrete beams without transverse reinforcement

Abstract

Finite element analysis with nonlinear material behavior modeling can be used to design concrete structures. This study aimed to develop a computational model to represent the shear behavior of concrete beams without transverse reinforcement described in the literature, with or without steel fibers. Two different approaches of finite element analysis were investigated, namely smeared and discrete crack models. The results of the smeared crack model were compared with the results of double-notched push-through tests, and an empirical equation for the shear retention factor of plain concrete was suggested. The computational model using a discrete crack approach with representation of the aggregate interlocking mechanism was compared with the results of push-of test, and an accurate correlation was observed up to the maximum shear stress. It was concluded that the discrete crack approach provided the most accurate representation of the shear behavior of a non-reinforced beam with a shear span-to-depth ratio of 2.17. However, for a non-reinforced beam with a shear span-to-depth ratio of 2.66, the smeared crack approach accurately represents the shear strength and stiffness of the beam. The shear retention factor had little influence on the overall behavior of a steel fiber-reinforced concrete beam. Finally, it was concluded that a variable shear retention factor should be used in the smeared crack approach with fixed crack, as a constant shear retention factor tends to overestimate the shear strength of beams.