Nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete slabs by a discrete finite element approach

A rational numerical model is described for the nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete slabs subjected to monotonic loading. The model is based on a discrete finite element representation of a concrete slab and its embedded reinforcing steel bars, which permits the interface behaviour such as bond-slip and dowel-action to be explicitly simulated as a local phenomenon. This material nonlinearities for both concrete and steel are considered and the smeared cracking approach is used. The nonlinear finite element equations are solved by an incremental-iterative procedure together with a constant stiffness matrix approach. The validity of the proposed model is demonstrated through a numerical example for which the solutions obtained are compared with the available experimental results. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.