Force-Based Frame Element with Axial Force-Flexure-Shear Interaction for Modeling Reinforced Concrete Members

摘要

Frame elements have shown great capabilities in simulating the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) members, but modeling of shear behavior has not received as much attention. This paper presents a force-based element for modeling the shear behavior of RC members in addition to flexure. The element uses fiber sections to simulate the axial and flexural behavior, and shear sections to model shear. The element deformation is divided into elastic and plastic components, and the equilibrium between the nodal and section forces is exactly satisfied. Each shear section consists of three parallel springs to represent the resistance by concrete, strut action induced by the axial load, and truss mechanism of the transverse reinforcement. The accuracy of the proposed element is validated using data from lateral loading tests of three bridge columns and a prestressed bridge pile.