Finite Element Modeling and Theoretical Analysis of SFRSCC Composite Beams Strengthened by Bottom Tensioned Steel Plates

Abstract

This research concern finite element modelling and theoretical analysis for evaluating the effect of steel fibers on the behaviour of composite beams of tensioned steel-concrete interfaces with shear connectors. Based on available experimental tests of seven composite beams consisting of rectangular reinforced concrete prisms (125*200*1900)mm strengthened by bottom steel plates interconnected by shear connectors, of diverse contents of steel fiber volume fraction (0.0%, 0.2%, 0.5% and 0.8%), shear connectors distributions and plates thicknesses and lengths. Each beam was loaded up-to failure under the influence of two concentrated loads to monitor its failure mode, record the load and deflection values at its mid-span and also register values of the final relative end slip. The proposed nonlinear ANSYS (version 14) model for the seven test beams includes modelling of concrete, steel rebars, steel plates and the steel plate-concrete interface, where the high agreement of the ANSYS-model predictions with the experimental evidence is a definite witness to the reliability of the numerical model. The maximum differences in ultimate loads and mid-span deflection values for all beams are 8.1%% and 7.8%, respectively.