Nonlinear finite element analysis of steel fiber-reinforced concrete members using direct tension force transfer model

Our understanding on the shear behavior of SFRC members is still quite limited due to the complex inter-combinatorial mechanisms of shear transfer. Some efforts have been made to extend the application of modified compression field theory and the soften truss model to SFRC members. It is difficult, however, for such models to reflect some of the key behavioral characteristics of SFRC, such as the fiber directionality at the crack interfaces, the differences of bond strengths by fiber types, and the pull-out failure of fibers at crack. Thus, in this study, a nonlinear finite element analysis procedure has been developed that sufficiently reflects the material properties and behavioral characteristics of SFRC, and can be applied to obtain the shear behavior. The accuracy and rationality of the proposed model were also verified in this study by comparing to the recent experimental results on the SFRC shear panels.

► NLFEM with DTFTM for the shear responses of SFRC members was derived.
► DTFTM can estimate the bond behavior between fiber and surrounding concrete.
► Pull-out failure mechanism of fiber from adjacent concrete was investigated.
► Rationality of the proposed method was verified by comparing to the test results.