Nonlinear analysis of normal- and high-strength concrete slabs

Concrete slabs supported on four edges and loaded axially and transversely are used in many civil engineering applications. High-strength concrete slabs are commonly used for marine structures and offshore platforms. The catastrophic nature of the failure exhibited by reinforced concrete slabs when subjected to concentrated loads has been a major concern for engineers over many years. Therefore, there is a great need to develop accurate numerical models suitable for normal-strength or high-strength concrete in order to reflect properly its structural behaviour.Proper simulation of the post-cracking behaviour of concrete has a significant effect on the nonlinear finite element response of such slabs. Cracking and post-cracking behaviour of concrete which includes aggregate interlock, dowel action, and tension-stiffening effects is especially crucial for any nonlinear concrete analysis. The post-cracking behaviour and the fracture energy properties of high-strength concrete are different from those of normal-strength concrete. This can be realized by comparing the experimental testing results of plain normal- and high-strength concrete. The experimental results of testing plain high-strength concrete in direct tension indicated that the total area under the stress - crack width curve in tension is different from that of normal-strength concrete.A suitable softening and tension-stiffening model is recommended for high-strength concrete; other existing models suitable for normal-strength concrete are discussed. The proposed post-cracking behaviour models are implemented in a nonlinear finite element program in order to check the validity of such models by comparing the actual experimental data with the finite element results. Finally, a parametric study was conducted to provide more insight into the behaviour of high-strength concrete slabs subjected to combined uniaxial in-plane loads and lateral loads. The effects of the magnitude of in-plane load and the sequence of loading on the structural behaviour of such slabs are examined.