NUMERICALLY SIMULATING THE EFFECT OF REBAR DISTRIBUTION ON THE CONCRETE FLEXURAL STRENGTH

Wael A. Salah, Osama S. Hussien

Abstract: This paper presents a developed three dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model, using ABAQUS software, to explore the effect of the reinforcing rebar distribution on the flexural strength for exterior beam-column joints. The results of the experimental tests conducted by Rekha S. P. et al. [1], are used to validate the results of the developed FE model. Three exterior beam-column joint specimens, have been experimentally investigated under the effect of static loading by Rekha S. P. et al. [1]. Each of the tested specimen has the same reinforcement ratio but with varying bar diameters to allow for variable distribution of reinforcing rebar. Three more beam-column joint specimens have been prepared exactly as the first three specimens but with beam of closer stirrups spacing. The six specimens have been statically loaded reaching the failure load and hence the flexural strength was determined for each. Six FE models of exterior beam-column joint are created simulating the former experimentally tested concrete joints. The developed geometrically and material nonlinear 3D model is able to trace the load-displacement path for all the tested concrete joints with adequate accuracy.

Keywords: Beam-Column Joint, FE, Modeling, Rebar, Flexural Strength.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2016.0506060