Layered Finite Element (FE) modelling of structural concrete beams non-uniformly reinforced with carbon textile fabrics

M. El Kadi, L. Nahum, A. Peled, T. Tysmans

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Textile Reinforced Cementitious (TRC) composites can be used as an alternative to traditional load-bearing materials due to their high tuneability, slenderness and freedom-of-form. The modelling of TRCs is traditionally subdivided in discrete and smeared approaches. Discrete approaches model the reinforcement and matrix separately but require a bond characterization whereas smeared approaches distribute the mechanical properties evenly over the cross-section. The flexural behaviour of TRCs where the reinforcement is non-uniformly distributed over the height is strongly influenced by the position of the textiles and can therefore not be predicted by fully smeared simulations. Semi-smeared approaches solve these challenges by discretely stacking smeared layers with individual mechanical properties and compromise between discrete and smeared approaches. This research presents a detailed explanation of a semi-smeared, layered Finite Element (FE) model and validates it by experiments on TRC beams with non-uniform and non-balanced longitudinal and shear reinforcement layers. Two different layup alternatives were simulated. The simulations showed a good agreement with the experiments and highlighted the ability of the model to predict the pre- and post-cracking flexural stiffness. Furthermore, investigation of the simulated stress and strain distributions in the flexural shear zones highlighted the ability of semi-smeared models to endorse experimentally observed failure phenomena.

Original languageEnglish
Article number183
JournalMaterials and Structures/Materiaux et Constructions
Volume54
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Oct 2021

Keywords

  • Finite Element (FE) modelling
  • Flexural simulations
  • Semi-smeared approach
  • Textile reinforced cement (TRC) composites

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials

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