Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Fiber Reinforced Concrete Slabs

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the behavior of fiber reinforced concreteslabs using finite element analysis. A previously published finite elementprogram is used for the nonlinear analysis by including the steel fiberconcrete properties. Concrete is represented by degenerated quadraticthick shell element, which is the general shear deformable eight nodeserendipity element, and the thickness is divided into layers. An elasticperfectly plastic and strain hardening plasticity approach are used tomodel the compression behavior of concrete. The reinforcing bars weresmeared within the concrete layers and assumed as either an elasticperfectly plastic material or as an elastic-plastic material with linearstrain hardening. Cracks initiation is predicted using a tensile strengthcriterion. The tension stiffening effect of the steel fibers is simulated usinga descending parabolic stress degradation function, which is based on thefracture energy concept. The effect of cracking in reducing the shearmodulus and the compressive strength of concrete parallel to the crackdirection is considered. The numerical results showed good agreementwith published experimental results for two fibrous reinforced concreteslabs.