Numerical approach of the bond stress behavior of steel bars embedded in self-compacting concrete and in ordinary concrete using beam models

Resumo

The present study evaluates, by numerical models based on Finite Element Method, the bond behavior between steel bars and concrete. Two concrete types were used (self-compacting concrete and ordinary concrete), performed in monotonically loaded beam tests. In the numerical model, concrete and steel bars were represented as non-linear behavior material. The aim here is to represent the bond phenomena and the tests results through a numerical approach. According to the test results, the bond stress of self-compacting concrete and ordinary concrete was similar, and, in some cases, outstand ordinary concrete. The numerical model had a good agreement with the experimental one, especially in the pre-peak branch of the load vs. slip and load vs. displacement curves. It was concluded that the numerical model presented a good approach for the experimental result for both concretes and both compressive strength. Also, the correct prediction of the bond behavior, in numerical models, could lead to optimized development lengths due to the better understanding of its behavior, which could reduce the structure cost.