23 March 2014 : D2

Analysis of Notched Unreinforced Concrete Beam Rev “x”

Using Nonlinear Finite Element Techniques

Prepared By:
David R. Dearth, P.E.
Applied Analysis & Technology, Inc.
16731 Sea Witch Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Telephone (714) 846-4235
E-Mail AppliedAT@aol.com
Web Site www.AppliedAnalysisAndTech.com

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Introduction Rev “x”

 Petersson, P.E (1.) tested an unreinforced notched concrete beam in 1981.

[Ref. Figure 8.16 Experimental and theoretical load-deflection curves for three-point bend tests on
notched beams.] See Slide 8.

 The purpose of this summary is to present results of addressing this Notched

Unreinforced Concrete Beam and computing the load deflection curve using MSC/Marc
for comparison to the experimental test data at the nominal fracture toughness, G f = 124
N/m.

 For purposes of this analysis a medium mesh model definition was borrowed from an
Abaqus example problem “3.2.11 Notched unreinforced concrete beam under 3-point
bending”. (2.)

 Since Marc uses a linear tension softening modulus, Es, results from Abaqus/Standard
with linear tension softening are used for comparison. [Ref. Figure 3.2.11-6 Plane stress
Abaqus/Standard mesh refinement study – medium mesh.]

 Note: As noted in the Abaqus example, when linear tension softening is assumed in the
Abaqus solution, this leads to a response that is overly stiff compared with the
experimental observations of Petersson.

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Petersson Unreinforced Notched Beam Geometry (No Scale) Rev “x”

Enforced Displacements
dy = - 0.8 mm (0.0315")

“d” “b”
“a”

“e” Simple
Supports
“L” Both Ends

L = 2,000 mm (78.74") Overall Beam Length

a = 100 mm (3.937") Crack Height
b = 50 mm (1.969") Beam Width
d = 200 mm (7.874") Beam Depth
e = 40 mm (1.575") Crack Width

Unreinforced Notched Beam Dimensions

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Half Symmetric Unreinforced Notched Concrete Beam with Boundary Rev “x”

Conditions & Loading

Enforced Displacements at Beam Mid-

Span, Δy = -0.8 mm (-0.0315 inch)

Y-Z Symmetric
Plane, BC = Tx

Mesh size for the half symmetric model is

Corner Vertical 280 plane stress elements (medium mesh)
Reaction, BC=Ty

Concrete Material Properties

Ec= 4.350 x 106 psi ν =0.20
Critical Cracking Stress (Rupture Stress) fr = 482.96 psi(1.)
Tension Softening Strain at Failure, ε = 0.00197 in/in(2.)

Symmetric Half Section Unreinforced Notched beam Mesh Sizing

(Reference Abaqus Examples Manual Figure 3.2.11-2)

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Concrete : Isotropic Linear Tension Softening Properties Rev “x”

Note: Abaqus input is “strain at failure”.

Marc input is “tension softening slope”.

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Concrete : Isotropic Properties Rev “x”

The concrete is idealized using 2D Plane Stress elements. Young’s modulus of elasticity for the concrete is given as:

Concrete Material Properties

Elastic : Ec= 4.35 x106 psi ν = 0.20
Cracking : Critical Cracking Stress (Rupture Stress) fr = 482.96 psi
Softening Modulus, Es= 259,410 psi [Failure Strain = 0.00197 in/in]
Crushing Strain, εc = 0.005 in/in, Shear Retention : 7.5%

Concrete Isotropic Material Input Dialog

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Petersson Unreinforced Notched Beam Test Deflections Rev “x”

MSC/Marc vs Abaqus/Standard

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Raw Data Petersson Unreinforced Notched Beam Test Deflections Rev “x”

Reference 1

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Rev “x”

References
1) Petersson, P. E., “Crack Growth and Development of Fracture Zones in Plain
Concrete and Similar Materials” Report No. TVBM-1006, Division of Building
Materials, University of Lund, Sweden, 1981
http://www.iaea.org/inis/collection/NCLCollectionStore/_Public/13/668/13668228.pdf

2) Dassault Systems, 3.2.11 Notched unreinforced concrete beam under 3-point bending
Abaqus 6.13 Abaqus Benchmarks Guide, 2013
http://129.97.46.200:2080/v6.13/books/bmk/default.htm

3) MSC/Marc Reference Manuals & Finite Element Analysis System: Volumes A, B, C, D"
MSC Software Corporation, 2 MacArthur Place, Santa Ana, California 92707

Applied Analysis & Technology © 2014 Slide 9 of 9