2-D Finite Element Analysis of Massive RC Structures

Nonlinear analysis of concrete structures using finite elements is discussed. The applications include a thick-walled top-closure for a pressure vessel as well as the delicate problems of beams failing in shear. The top-closure analysis evaluates the effect of two different failure criteria and modeling of a realistic post-failure behavior is demonstrated to be mandatory for accurate structural predictions.

For shear beams it is shown that the primary cause of failure is strain softening adjacent to the load point.