Prediction of R/C Panel and Deep Beam Behavior by NLFEA

Abstract

The paper describes the results of application of a simple orthotropic constitutive relationship for concrete to the prediction of the behavior of shear panels and deep beams. The axes of orthotropy are assumed to coincide with the principal strain axes even after cracking. Reasonable correspondence with test results is obtained for orthogonally reinforced shear panels, in which the failure modes vary from ductile failure for which steel in both directions yields, to concrete crushing after steel in one direction yields, to concrete crushing prior to steel yielding. The same constitutive relationship is used to predict the behavior of an orthogonally reinforced deep beam exhibiting concrete crushing at the support and a deep beam with no web reinforcement exhibiting concrete “strut” failure. Results of the analyses indicate that nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) may be used with reasonable confidence to predict the land‐deformation behavior, the failure load, and failure mode of reinforced concrete deep beams and panels.