In past years, the methods of analysis and design for concrete structures were mainly based on elastic analysis combined with various classical procedures as well as on empirical formulas developed on the basis of a large amount of experimental data. Such approaches are still necessary and desirable and continue to be the most convenient and effective methods for ordinary design. However, the rapid development of modern numerical analysis techniques and high-speed digital computers has provided structural engineers with a powerful tool for a complete nonlinear analysis of concrete structures. By using the finite-element method and performing an incremental inelastic analysis, deformational and failure characteristics of concrete structures can be assessed with some degree of accuracy. For example, some complex behaviors of reinforced concrete, such as multiaxial nonlinear stress-strain properties, cracking, aggregate interlocking, bond slip, and other effects previously ignored or treated in a very approximate manner can now be modeled and studied more rationally. In addition, as the quantitative information on the load-deformation behavior of concrete develops and computing capability expands, the scope of nonlinear analysis can be broadened to include triaxially loaded concrete structures, such as nuclear power reactors, floating vessels, offshore platforms, arch dams, etc., for which this type of analysis is of particular value because large-scale experimental studies of these special types of structures are often prohibitively expensive.
The first attempt to apply the finite-element method to a reinforced concrete structure was made by Ngo...
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