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Abstract
In order to make non-linear finite element analyses applicable during assessments of the ultimate load capacity or the structural reliability of large reinforced concrete structures, there is need for an efficient solution strategy with a low modelling uncertainty. A solution strategy comprises choices regarding force equilibrium, kinematic compatibility and constitutive relations. This contribution demonstrates four important steps in the process of developing a proper solution strategy: (1) definition, (2) verification by numerical experiments, (3) validation by benchmark analyses and (4) demonstration of applicability. A complete solution strategy is presented in detail, including a fully triaxial material model for concrete, which was adapted to facilitate its implementation in a standard finite-element software. Insignificant sensitivity to finite element discretisation, load step size, iteration method and convergence tolerance were found by numerical experiments. A low modelling uncertainty, denoted by the ratio of experimental to predicted capacity, was found by comparing the results from a range of experiments to results from non-linear finite element predictions. The applicability to large reinforced concrete structures is demonstrated by an analysis of an offshore concrete shell structure.
Acknowledgements
Morten Engen thanks his supervisors and all colleagues in the Marine Structures Department at Multiconsult for valuable discussions and particularly Per Horn, former Senior Vice President of Multiconsult, for having the courage to initiate the research project.
Notes
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.