Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Fiber Reinforced Concrete Slabs

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the behavior of fiber reinforced concrete slabsusing finite element analysis. A previously published finite element program is used for the nonlinear analysis by including the steel fiber concrete properties. Concrete is represented by degenerated quadratic thick shell element, which is the general shear deformable eight node serendipity element, and the thickness is divided into layers. An elastic perfectly plastic and strain hardening plasticity approach are used to model the compression behavior of concrete.The reinforcing bars were smeared within the concrete layers and assumed as either an elastic perfectly plastic material or as an elastic-plastic material with linear strain hardening. Cracks initiation is predicted using a tensile strength criterion. The tension stiffening effect of the steel fibers is simulated using a descending parabolic stress degradation function, which is based on the fracture energy concept. The effect of cracking in reducing the shear modulus and the compressive strength of concrete parallel to the crack direction is considered. The numerical results showedgood agreement with published experimental results for two fibrous reinforced concrete slabs.