Determination of Interaction Diagrams Using Finite Elements and Cohesive Models
Reinforced concrete, finite elements, fracture
Interaction diagrams are based on various assumptions to provide an approximate solution. One of these assumptions is Bernoulli's hypothesis, which assumes that sections remain planar. Additionally, the parabola-rectangle diagram is adopted as a simplification of the distribution of compressive stresses in the concrete. The tensile strength of the concrete is generally considered negligible. It should be clarified that there will be a selection of the reinforced concrete model. Likewise, there will be the selection of a specific type of cross-section (e.g. rectangular, T, L, and H) and the determination of the type and quantity of reinforcement. Some assumptions must be established in the analysis. The cross-section of the reinforced concrete will be divided into a series of discrete layers, each with its own strength. The area, moment of inertia, centroid, and distance from the centroid to the furthest edge of each layer need to be calculated.
In this context, with the aim of better studying the phenomenon of composite bending in pillars, the proposed work will involve generating interaction diagrams from numerical analyses using the finite element method. This will also allow the study of complex sections and arbitrary distributions of reinforcement. For the purpose of comparison and verification, the development of a computational tool is also proposed for determining interaction diagrams according to the conventional procedure used in the practical design of reinforced concrete structures.