Non-linear finite element analyses applicable for the design of large reinforced concrete structures M. Engen a,b,* , M. A. N. Hendriks b,c , J. A. Øverli b and E. ˚ Aldstedt a a Multiconsult ASA, Postboks 265 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway; b Dept. of Structural Engineering, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Rich. Birkelandsvei 1A, 7491 Trondheim, Norway, c Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Steinweg 1, 2628CN Delft, The Netherlands ARTICLE HISTORY Compiled June 16, 2017 ABSTRACT In order to make non-linear finite element analyses applicable during assessments of the ultimate load capacity or the structural reliability of large reinforced concrete structures, there is need for an efficient solution strategy with a low modelling uncer- tainty. A solution strategy comprises choices regarding force equilibrium, kinematic compatibility and constitutive relations. This contribution demonstrates four impor- tant steps in the process of developing a proper solution strategy: 1) definition, 2) verification by numerical experiments, 3) validation by benchmark analyses and 4) demonstration of applicability. A complete solution strategy is presented in detail, including a fully triaxial material model for concrete, which was adapted to facilitate its implementation in a standard finite element software. Insignificant sensitivity to finite element discretization, load step size, iteration method and convergence tol- erance were found by numerical experiments. A low modelling uncertainty, denoted by the ratio of experimental to predicted capacity, was found by comparing the results from a range of experiments to results from non-linear finite element predic- tions. The applicability to large reinforced concrete structures is demonstrated by an analysis of an offshore concrete shell structure. KEYWORDS non-linear finite element analyses; large concrete shell structures; practical applications; ultimate load capacity; modelling uncertainty; structural design 1. Introduction With the introduction of the semi-probabilistic safety formats in fib Model Code 2010 for Concrete Structures (fib , 2013), non-linear finite element analyses (NLFEA) are receiving increased interest from the engineering community. This paper addresses the topic of NLFEA applicable for the design of large reinforced concrete structures, where the main scope of the analyses are accurate predictions of the ultimate load capacity. The design of large reinforced concrete shell structures like dams and offshore oil and gas platforms is normally based on global linear finite element analyses (LFEA). This allows for using the principle of superpositioning in order to handle the vast number of design load combinations (Brekke, ˚ Aldstedt, and Grosch, 1994; Engen, Hendriks, *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]
Non-linear finite element analyses applicable for the design of large reinforced concrete structures
Jun 19, 2023
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