Failure process and ultimate strength of RC hyperbolic cooling towers under equivalent static wind loads

摘要

Wind induced failure process of RC hyperbolic cooling towers (HCTs) considering material nonlinearity was investigated numerically. Following a detailed introduction and several numerical verifications on the material models of concrete and reinforcement and the layered shell element, the failure process, ultimate strength and failure mechanics of a tower under two load cases, with or without winter temperature, were discussed via the load-displacement curves, distribution and evolution of cracking, stress and internal forces. Loss of the load-carrying capacity is preceded by severe cracking of concrete in windward; and yielding of reinforcement in windward when winter temperature is not included.