By Mark D. Hunter, Anca C. Ferche, and Frank J. Vecchio
ACI Structural Journal Vol. 118 Issue 2
Abstract:
The implications of the spatial variability of concrete mechanical properties on the numerical analysis of a slab strip specimen (PLS4000) with no shear reinforcement are investigated. The 4.0 m (13 ft) thick specimen was tested by Collins et al. Hunter undertook a subsidiary experimental program to assess the spatial variability of the concrete through ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements taken on the PLS4000 specimen. The spatial variability was then included in finite element analyses of the specimen using stochastic methods. It was found that the spatial variability of the concrete mechanical properties influenced the crack pattern and development of the critical failure crack.
Keywords: finite element analysis; reinforced concrete; spatial variability;
ultrasonic pulse velocity.