Simulation model to estimate bending overstrength in concrete elements

A simulation model to estimate bending overstrength in reinforced concrete elements is presented. The simulation model employs basic design hypotheses according to NTC–04 [1] and ACI 318–11 [2] for rectangular concrete beams subjected to bending with rebars in the tension zone only. Concrete compression strength is included in the model as a random variable to estimate the uncertainty in bending strength on rectangular beams. Concrete compressive strength is evaluated for more than 16,000 compression tests for mixtures designed for 200 kgf/cm2 (19.6 MPa) and 250 kgf/cm2 (24.5 MPa). The main objective of this work is to assess the influence of real concrete compressive strength on the bending overstrength computed from analytical models used by actual construction codes like NTC–04 and ACI 318–11.