A research project has been initiated to evaluate a new reinforcement detailing in frame comers in civil defence shelters where all reinforcement bars are spliced within the frame comer. Full-scale frame comers subjected to negative bending moment have been tested…
A research project has been initiated to evaluate a new reinforcement detailing in frame comers in civil defence shelters where all reinforcement bars are spliced within the frame comer. Full-scale frame comers subjected to negative bending moment have been tested and analysed using the non-linear finite element programme DIANA. A concrete material model based on non-linear fracture mechanics to account for cracking and plasticity models for concrete in compression and reinforcement steel was used. The bond-slip relation between reinforcement and surrounding concrete was accounted for by an interface model. Parameters varied in the study are: reinforcement detailing, reinforcement ratio, the effects of the weakness of the construction joint and the interaction between reinforcement and concrete. Tests and finite element analyses support the idea that the new reinforcement detailing is appropriate to use. Finite element analyses showed that the effect on the maximum load capacity of different bond- slip relations and the weakness of the construction joint were negligible.