Numerical modeling of composite beam to reinforced concrete wall joints: Part I: Calibration of joint components

•Numerical calibration of mechanical problems involved in steel-to-concrete joints.•Validation of numerical models by means of benchmark examples.•Calibration of slab longitudinal rebars model (governing component of the joint).•Reinforcement–concrete interaction approximating the real bond–slip behavior.•Composite beam simulated applying solid and spring elements.

This paper presents the first part of a numerical study to simulate composite beam to reinforced concrete wall joints using the finite element software ABAQUS. In detail, several benchmark examples dealing with different components of the joint are simulated in the validation and calibration process of the finite element package. Moreover, these simulations consider the analysis of: (i) type of finite element, 3D solid first and second order elements; (ii) material constitutive law for steel and concrete; (iii) interactions, reinforcement–concrete bond, composite behavior and mechanical contact. The validation of the simulated benchmark examples is accomplished by means of convergence studies and comparison with experimental tests. The accuracy obtained within these benchmark examples puts in evidence the appropriate simulation of the different phenomena to be dealt within the analysis of composite beam to reinforced concrete wall joints in a companion paper.