Title:
Nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete shells
Author(s):
A. C. Scordelis and E. C. Chan
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
98
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
25-58
Keywords:
computer programs; cracking (fracturing); creep properties; edge beams; elastic properties; finite element method; reinforced concrete; shells (structural forms); shrinkage; strength; structural analysis; Structural Research
DOI:
10.14359/2819
Date:
3/3/1987
Abstract:
With the aid of modern digital computers and sophisticated computational techniques such as the finite element method, it is now possible to simulate the structural behavior of an arbitrary reinforced concrete shell structure under general loading through its elastic, cracking, inelastic, and ultimate load ranges, taking into account nonlinear material, nonlinear geometry and time-dependent effects of creep and shrinkage. In this paper, a method of analysis and a computer program based upon a composite layered finite element displacement model are briefly described. The analysis recognizes the nonlinearities due to cracking, nonlinear stress-strain behavior in concrete, yielding of the steel reinforcement and the tension stiffening between cracks. The effects of the countinuously changing structural geometry are taken into account by an updated Lagrangian formulation. The time dependent effects of creep and shrinkage are also included by an initial strain procedure. Numerical results for reinforced concrete shells obtained with the computer program are presented which indicate that in some cases an increase and in other cases a large reduction in the calculated ultimate load occurs as each of the nonlinear factors is included in the computer analysis.