Model for post-yield tension stiffening and rebar rupture in concrete members

A tension stiffening model is presented which enables the calculation of average tensile stresses in concrete, after yielding of reinforcement, in reinforced concrete elements subjected to uniaxial tension, shear or flexure. To determine the average tensile stress–strain relationship for concrete, a crack analysis approach is employed taking into account the bond mechanism between concrete and deformed reinforcing bars, and numerical analyses are conducted to determine the tensile behavior of reinforced concrete members including post-yield response. Analytical parametric studies are conducted to determine the influence of various parameters including concrete compressive strength and reinforcement yield strength, ultimate strength, hardening stress, and hardening strain. Analysis results obtained from the proposed model, when compared to experimental results for uniaxial members, indicate good agreement for structural behavior after yielding of reinforcement. The proposed model makes it possible to accurately calculate reinforcement stresses at crack locations and, thus, average strain conditions which result in rupture of reinforcement. This leads to more realistic predictions of the uniaxial, flexural, and shear ductility of reinforced concrete members.