Nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete panels

A complete constitutive relationship for the time-independent nonlinear behavior of reinforced concrete is presented. The nonlinear features include the inelastic responses of concrete and steel reinforcements, prediction of concrete fracture under multiaxial stress states, and post-failure behavior of fractured concrete. Moreover, the interaction effects between concrete and steel rebars are included in finite element stiffness calculations by considering tension stiffening and shear transferring due to dowel actions. The constitutive relationship was implemented into a nonlinear finite element program to investigate the deformation behavior of four reinforced concrete panels. Numerical results obtained from the finite element analysis are compared favorably with the available experimental data.