Application of constitutive models to concrete structures

Mohamed Aboussalah, Purdue University

Abstract

In recent years, a variety of constitutive models have been proposed to characterize the nonlinear behavior of concrete materials. However, because of the lack of clear understanding of concrete behavior and the difficulties encountered in determining the material parameters associated with its modeling, the application of these models to engineering problems is not widespread. In an attempt to fill the gap between theory and practice, the present study is focused on the practical applications of some existing constitutive models within the framework of their structural performance. In this study, five constitutive models for concrete materials developed recently at Purdue University that represent a broad spectrum of modeling approaches with different degrees of refinement are discussed in some detail. Emphasis is placed on the finite element implementation of the constitutive equations, and for application purposes, simple practical procedures for the determination of the models material parameters are proposed as guidelines for use in engineering practice. Remarks regarding the effectiveness of these procedures are discussed through structural applications. To further verify the validity and range of applicability of the adopted models, extensive stress-strain predictions and finite element progressive failure analyses of three typical structures covering a wide range of stress states are conducted using the NFAP program. The numerical predictions are compared to available theoretical or experimental results and possible implications regarding the advantages and limitations of the models are discussed.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Chen, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Civil engineering

COinS