NONLINEAR FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE SLABS UNDER PUNCHING LOADS

This paper presents an implementation of a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model for evaluating the behavior of reinforced concrete slabs under centric load. The concrete was idealized by using eight-nodded solid elements. While flexural reinforcement and the shear were modeled as line elements, a perfected bond between solid elements and line 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 slab thickness on column-slab connection response