A kinematic approach for peak load evaluation of concrete elements

A limit analysis numerical procedure for the peak load evaluation of concrete elements is proposed. The Menétrey–Willam criterion with cap in compression, settled in the Haigh–Westergaard coordinates, is used for a 3D treatment of the problem. Standard experimental tests on concrete specimens are considered to validate the procedure by comparison between numerical and laboratory findings.

► A numerical limit analysis is applied to a 3D pressure dependent yield condition with cap.
► Haigh–Westergaard coordinates are used and the relevant geometrical aspects discussed.
► The method gives preliminary information on the peak load, failure modes, critical zones.
► It is oriented to reinforced concrete structures and consequently to restrained concrete.
► The results obtained for few benchmarks appear reasonably close to the experimental ones.