Finite element numerical analysis of the bearing capacity of hybrid fiber reinforced concrete pipes

Abstract

Reinforced concrete with two or more types of fibers, rationally combined (hybrid fiber reinforced concrete,HFRC)may offer enhanced properties,especially in terms of ductility and crack control. The use of these concretes in drainage pipes, either partially or totally substituting steel meshes and bars of traditional reinforcement, might have a favorable impact on the optimization of the product in the precast industry from both technical and economic point of view. The HFRC can be prepared and placed into molds in a similar way as for plain concrete, where the fibers are added to the mix just like any other aggregate. In this paper, as part of an initial stage of an on going research, the mechanical behaviour of hybrid reinforced concrete pipes (steel and polypropylene) is numerically assessed by simulation of the threeedge bearing test (TEBT). The HFRC is modeled as a homogeneous material with equivalent properties (macro model), in which the characteristic parameters of the material, used in the simulation, are obtained through an experimental study. The problem is solved by a nonlinear finite element code in which a coupled damage and plasticity constitutive model is used.Finally, the results are compared with experimental data obtained by another author.