DESIGN OF FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES BASED ON NONLINEAR ANALYSIS

The nonlinear finite element analysis can be utilized not only in research but also in the practical design of fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) structures. Behaviour of the structure under service or ultimate loading conditions can be realistically simulated using advanced computer methods. Special constitutive material models were developed for description of fracture of FRC-material in the nonlinear finite element analysis. Crack development, load carrying capacity and post-critical behaviour of engineering structures can be traced and analyzed. The nonlinear fracture analysis accounting tensile capacity of material enables to exploit reserves, which are usually neglected or diminished in codes or in linear analysis, and helps in cases which are not sufficiently supported by the codes. Recently proposed advanced design methods based on the global safety concept, utilization a newly developed ECOV-Method, stochastic LHS nonlinear analysis and structural reliability assessment of FRC structures are discussed. Practical examples of nonlinear analysis of engineering structures made from the FRC are presented.