Prediction of Flexural Deformation of Reinforcement Concrete Beams with Polynomial Tension Stiffening Model

Based on an assumption of parabolic bond stress distribution,a simplified model with quartic polynomial function of the relative slip of steel bar and surrounding concrete for reinforced concrete (RC)tensile member was proposed. The post-cracking behavior as well as tension stiffening effect was considered in the new model. The relative slip of bending member could also be determined through the extension of the new model,which could be applied to obtaining the concentrated rotations at certain sections in order to predict the flexural deformation of RC beam. Several examples of four-point bending RC beams were approached to verify the new model,and the predictions of the flexural deflections of RC beams agreed well with experimental results. The new model can be extended to the application of partially corroded RC beam.

A new finite element of spatial thin-walled beams

Based on the theories of Timoshenko＇s beams and Vlasov＇s thin-walled members, a new spatial thin-walled beam element with an interior node is developed. By independently interpolating bending angles and warp, factors such as transverse shear deformation, torsional shear deformation and their Coupling, coupling of flexure and torsion, and second shear stress are considered. According to the generalized variational theory of Hellinger-Reissner, the element stiffness matrix is derived. Examples show that the developed model is accurate and can be applied in the finite element analysis of thinwalled structures.

Identification of Connection Flexibility Effects Based on Load Testing of a Steel-Concrete Bridge

In the case of composite girders, an effective cooperation of both parts of the section is influenced by deformability of connectors. Limited flexural stiffness of welded studs, used commonly in bridge structures, does not provide full interaction of a steel beam and a concrete slab. This changes strain distribution in cross-sections of a composite girder and results in redistribution of internal forces in steel and concrete element. In the paper partial interaction index defined on the basis of a neutral axis position, which can be used for verification of steel-concrete interaction in real bridge structures rather than in specimens is proposed. The range of the index value changes, obtained during load testing of a typical steel-concrete composite beam bridge, is presented. The investigation was carried out on a motorway viaduct, consisting of two parallel structures. During the testing values of strains in girders under static and quasi-static loads were measured. The readings from the gauges were used to determine the index, characterizing composite action of the girders. Results of bridge testing under movable load, changing position along the bridge span is presented and obtained in-situ influence functions of strains and index values are commented in the paper.