Utilization of Nonlinear Finite Elements for the Design and Assessment of Large Concrete Structures. II: Applications

Abstract

This second-part article presents applications of advanced nonlinear finite-element analysis for the design of large reinforced-concrete structures. Because shear and the size effect are fundamental aspects of these structures, the first section of this paper is devoted to the prediction of shear failure for very large members more than 3 m deep. It is shown that the tendency of shear strength is much less sensitive to size effects for very large members than the predictions of some design code equations. Applications to the draft tube complex structure are then presented in a second part. A comparison of cracking patterns with an existing powerhouse is performed at the service level. It is shown that thermal effects have an important effect on the final cracking pattern. The draft tube model is then analyzed up to failure. Following a new design methodology proposed by the authors in a previous paper, and using the model error properties computed in part 1, the global resistance factor is computed for the ultimate level. The effects of temperature, nominal shear reinforcement, and lateral confinement are discussed.