Numerical analysis of reinforced concrete structures with oriented steel fibers and re-bars

In this study, a new strength and stiffness numerical analysis approach of fiber reinforced concrete with oriented fibers and re-bars is proposed. The model is based on discrete lattice simulation that is obtained from standard tetrahedron mesh. Area of cross section of lattice members is obtained by homogenization of each tetrahedron finite element. A non-linear material constitutive model that takes into account fiber orientation, concrete damage and plasticity of re-bars is proposed. Re-bars are embedded in fiber concrete lattice by using a special joint elements that are consistent with re-bar's surface pattern. The numerical model is validated by using four-point bending test results of high performance fiber concrete with oriented fibers. Moreover, the model showed a good agreement with re-bar pull-out test results for ultra-high performance concrete with oriented fibers. The proposed model is used to analyze a ribbed concrete panel with oriented fibers and best optimal fiber orientation for three-point bending is proposed.