Rheological-Dynamical Continuum Damage Model Applied to Research of the Rotational Capacity of a Reinforced Concrete Beams

In this paper a new rheological-dynamical continuum damage model for concrete under compression is used to research the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams subjected to bending. Within the framework of this approach the stress-strain curve of a concrete under compression in the pre-peak regime can be computed if the compressive strength, elastic modulus, concrete density and Poisson's ratio are experimentally evaluated. The ultimate strain is determined in the post-peak regime only, using the secant stress-strain relation from damage mechanics. Experimental stress-strain data in the pre-peak regime for five concrete compositions were obtained during the examination presented herein. The numerical predictions regarding moment-curvature and ductility of a reinforced concrete beam are presented for five concrete compositions, demonstrating capabilities of a new analytical model.