Numerical Analysis of RCC Beam Using ABAQUS

Experimental investigation of RCC beam provide an important understanding on its flexural properties. The stages involved from the design to casting, curing, testing and interpretation of results is time consuming and involves economy and labour. To reduce the above said challenges, numerical investigation seems to be an alternate without involvement of money and labour. Preliminary design stages involves design equation which are provided by the basic experiments conducted and they also give the basic information to develop the finite element model. This paper presents the numerical investigation of RCC beam to study the flexural properties using an effective finite element analysis tool ABAQUS. RCC beam prototypes were casted and their flexural properties were experimentally investigated. The results were validated through the finite element model by providing suitable properties for the material that are actually used for the prototype with the desired loading and support conditions. Beam of size 3000 x 230 x 300 mm of M20 grade concrete was casted and tested in the loading frame for flexure and deflection. The study focussed for under reinforced, balanced and over reinforced sections. Numerical analysis was performed using ABAQUS for model geometry and the results were compared with the experimental results. The results agreed with both the experimental and numerical values. Numerical results helps in developing reliable models which can reduce the number of required test specimens for conducting experiments and the model can be used for various study. Also from the finite element results the propagation of cracks can be well understood for the actual specimen.