Modern numerical modeling of reinforced concrete structures

Abstract

Nowadays, many computer software products are available for the numerical modeling of reinforced concrete structures; however, the accuracy of the numerical models created by the programs can only be accepted with a properly developed and verified modeling procedure. Within the framework of the present article, we present the numerical modeling possibilities of reinforced concrete structural elements and their connections through numerical models made by a modeling procedure we have built. In our studies, we also dealt with quasi-static unidirectional (horizontal and vertical) and cyclically variable direction and magnitude loads. The numerical models were created using the ATENA 3D three-dimensional nonlinear finite element software developed specifically for the study of concrete and reinforced concrete structures. In many cases, the results obtained by numerical experiments were compared with the results obtained by laboratory experiments, and some of our numerical experiments were compared with the results obtained using two-dimensional finite element software. Within the framework of this article, we would like to give a comprehensive picture of the numerical studies we have performed. We have also briefly summarized the results and experiences obtained from 3D nonlinear finite element studies.