Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Slab Strengthened with Shear Bolts

This paper presents an implementation of a rational three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model for evaluating the behavior of reinforced concrete slabs strengthened with shear bolts under transverse load. The concrete was idealized by using eight-nodded brick elements. While both flexural reinforcement and the shear bolts were modeled as truss elements, a perfected bond between brick elements and truss elements was assumed. The nonlinear behavior of concrete in compression is simulated by an elasto-plastic work-hardening model, and in tension a suitable post-cracking model based on tension stiffening and shear retention models are employed. The steel was simulated using an elastic-full plastic model. The validity of the theoretical formulations and the program used was verified through comparison with available experimental data, and the agreement has proven to be good. A parametric study has been also carried out to investigate the influence of the shear bolts’ diameter and number of bolts’ rows around the column-slab connection, on the ductility and ultimate load capacity of slabs.