Finite element analysis of reinforced concrete beams

Abstract Reinforced concrete is one of the most commonly used construction materials in civil engineering structures. Recently, because of the superior material properties of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs), the use of FRP bars as a substitute for traditional steel reinforcements in reinforced concrete structures has gained worldwide interest. In this chapter, the finite element analysis procedures for steel-/FRP-reinforced concrete beams are presented. The simple displacement-based one-dimensional two-node layered composite beam element in Chapter 3 is extended for nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete beams. The Timoshenko's beam functions are employed to represent the displacement interpolation functions. By using the layered approach, the nonlinear material properties of concrete and reinforcing bars can be represented accurately, and more importantly, an integrated beam element can be achieved.