Nonlinear Layered Analysis of RC Plates and Shells

A layered nonlinear finite element analysis including the elastoplastic behavior of steel, bilinear elastoplastic behavior of concrete, and limiting tension of concrete is presented. The incremental-variable elasticity analysis technique is used to obtain the load deflection curve for any general plate or shell. The need for a shear retention factor to provide the torsional and shear stiffness for cracked concrete is examined. The failure of the constitutive relations for a layered material to uncouple and the resulting importance of the inplane degrees-of-freedom is also considered. Finally, some numerical examples, both plates and shells, are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the incremental analysis.