Civil Engineering Association

Shear and Torsion in Concrete Structures
Non-Linear Finite Element Analysis in Design and Assessment
HELÉN BROO
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Structural Engineering, Concrete Structures
Chalmers University of Technology

202 Pages
12.1 MB

ABSTRACT
For structural design and assessment of reinforced concrete members, non-linear finite
element analysis has become an important tool. However, design and assessment of
shear and torsion are still done with simplified analytical or empirical design methods.
Modelling methods used to simulate response due to bending and normal forces are
well established and verified. The reliability of modelling methods used to simulate
response due to shear and torsion, on the other hand, are more often questioned.
This study shows how recognized material models implemented in a commercial
finite element code can be used to simulate the non-linear shear response in concrete
members, both with and without shear reinforcement. Apart from improving the
knowledge and understanding of shear and torsion, the aim is to improve the
traditional design and assessment methods and to give guidance for the evaluation of
response and load-carrying capacity by using advanced non-linear finite element
analysis.
Modelling methods for non-linear finite element analysis of the shear response and
load-carrying capacity of concrete structures subjected to shear and torsion were
worked out and verified by comparison with tests. Furthermore, these modelling
methods were applied to hollow core units, hollow core floors and a prestressed
concrete box-girder bridge. The modelling methods include relevant simplifications to
avoid analyses that are too time-consuming. Combining solid or shell elements, in the
parts of the structure where failure is expected, with beam elements elsewhere, was
shown to be a reasonable modelling level with regard to the desired level of accuracy.
The modelling methods proposed can be used separately or in combination with
conventional methods to improve the design or assessment of complex structures with
arbitrary geometries and loads, when failure due to shear and torsion is the main
problem. The modelling methods have shown great potential to reveal higher loadcarrying
capacity than conventional approaches. Further, the methods have been
helpful not only in understanding the behaviour of concrete members subjected to
shear and torsion but also to see how analytical methods can be used more correctly.
Much can be gained by using these methods instead of or together with traditional
design methods.

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