Numerical Simulation Study on Load Deflection and Strain Curve of UHPFRC Beams Under Static Load

Abstract

One of the biggest obstacles that prevents emerging concrete types to become widely adopted
in construction is the deficiency of standardization background in practice codes for these
materials, despite the fact it possess superior properties, such as Ultra-high Performance Fiber
Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC). In this study, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is utilized to
simulate the behavior of UHPFRC and Normal Concrete (NC) simply supported beams under
static flexural loading. Abaqus software has been used in which a simplified version of the
Concrete Damage Plasticity Model (CDPM) was chosen as a non-linear constitutive model. The
model has been validated against conventional CDPM at global (load-deflection) and local
(load-stain) levels. Reinforced UHPFRC beam models showed clearly matching response with
the validity research paper (reference study) experimental findings. The response of UHPFRC
beams has been compared to NC beams. This comparison has been explained in detail and
checked with similar material comparisons in the literature. The proposed study has revealed
and compared the distribution of cracks in the form of tension and compression damage for both
materials. As a conclusion, modelling is an effective way to predict the behavior of concrete
beams in which the relative local response was captured in reinforcement bars.