NONLINEAR THREE DIMENSIONAL FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS ON ELASTIC FOUNDATI

The main objective of the present investigation is to carryout a nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete beams resting on elastic foundation. Material nonlinearities due to cracking of concrete, plastic flow, crushing of concrete and yielding of reinforcement are considered. Foundation representation is assumed linear using Winkler model. The reinforced concrete beams is modeled by using three dimensional finite elements with steel bars as smeared layers. The examples have been chosen in order to demonstrate the applicability of the modified computer program (Dynamic Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Beams on Elastic Foundations DARCEF) by comparing the predicted behavior with that from other experimental and analytical observations. The program modified in the present research work is capable of simulating the behavior of reinforced concrete beams resting on Winkler foundation and subjected to different types of loading. The program solutions obtained for different reinforced concrete beams resting on elastic foundations are in good agreement with the available results. Maximum percentage difference in deflection is 15%.