Study the behavior of reinforced concrete beam using Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Several methods have been utilized to study the response of concrete structural components. Experimental based testing has been widely used as a means to analyze individual elements and the effects of concrete strength under loading. The use of finite element analysis to study these components has also been used. Concrete structural components such as beams, columns, walls exist in various buildings and bridges. Understanding the response of these components of structures during loading is crucial for the development of an efficient and safe structure. Recently Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is also used to analyze these structural components. Finite element software [1], is used for modeling and analysis by conducting non- linear static analysis. This paper is a study of reinforced concrete beam using finite element analysis to understand their load-deflection response. A reinforced concrete beam model is studied and compared to experimental data. Characteristic points on the load-deformation response curve predicted using finite element analysis were compared to theoretical (hand-calculated) results. Conclusions were then made as to the accuracy of using finite element modeling for analysis of concrete. The results compared well to experimental and hand calculated.