Numerical Investigation of Crack Behavior of RC Members Subjected to Static Loading

The crack formation and propagation in RC members is complex. It involves various mechanisms and parameters related to the interaction between concrete and reinforcement, the geometry of structure member, type of loading, and support conditions. Typically, experiment testing was used widely by investigating the behavior of these individual element and the effect of concrete strength. Although, this method represents real life responses, it is time consuming. Recently, the use of finite element analysis (FEA) has increased due to advances in knowledge and the capabilities of computer software. The utilization of computer software to model the structures elements has become much faster and cost effective.
In this research work, a commercial software Abaqus 2020 was used to model RC beams for studying the behavior of RC beam including the cracking behavior. Three concrete specimen models were studied with different loading locations and concrete compressive strength. The characteristic of the load deflection response was shown and compared to the three different specimens. Results obtained from FEA of the specimen showed that those with high concrete strength carried higher load capacity (more loading and small deflection) based on load-deflection. With the load away from the support 450mm the flexural crack occurs, while the shear crack occurs with the load close to the support 300mm.The shear crack showed with a greater load capacity compared to the flexural crack. The flexural crack develops in the middle of the span and. The cracks develop to the supports when the load increased unit the ultimate stage.