Numerical Analysis of R/C Cylindrical Shell with Hoop Edge Beams

In this paper, the numerical analysis of the reinforced concrete (R/C) cylindrical shell with hoop edge beams was performed by using the nonlinear finite element method. R/C shell with free edges must be stiffened by the edge beam. From the numerical results of the previous papers, the minimum size of the edge beam was placed on both hoop edges as the beam having the maximum ratio of the strength to the weight. There were several connecting method between R/C cylindrical panel and the hoop edge beam. Three kinds of connecting position between R/C shell and the edge beam were considered. One was the concentric connection of R/C shell and the beam (Type C). The second one was the shell connected at the top of the beam (Type L). The third one was the shell connected with the bottom of the beam (Type U). R/C shell was pin supported on the meridian and free on the hoops. Quasi uniformly distributed load was applied to the model. In numerical analysis, both shells and beams were modeled by solid elements. The reinforcements were represented by the steel sheets. To represents the nonlinear behavior of R/C shell elements, combined material and geometric nonlinearities were taken into account. The relation between an applied load and deflections as well as crack propagations was investigated. The ultimate strength of the structure was also obtained. From the numerical analyses, concentric connection of R/C shell and the beam (Type C) was efficient. However, R/C shell connecting with the top of the beam (Type L) showed better performance and was better connection method considering the finishing of the structure and the design demand.