Abstract

In this research, the ABAQUS program is used to model the behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The finite element model uses the concrete damaged plasticity approach; this model can help to confirm the theoretical calculations as well as to provide a valuable supplement to the laboratory investigations of behaviour. For validation, a reinforced concrete beam was modelled that had been experimentally tested and reported in previous experimental research. This is followed by a comparison of the finite element with the experimental results for the RC beam element. This paper compares the numerical results with experimental data for the reinforced concrete beam subjected to flexural loading. The results indicated that the displacement, tensile strain for the main reinforcement, compressive strain for concrete and crack patterns obtained from the finite element model (FEM) are well matched with the experimental results.

Key words: ABAQUS, finite element, fiber reinforced polymer, reinforced concrete beam, nonlinear failure.