A Non-Linear 3D FEM to Simulate Un-Bonded Steel Reinforcement Bars under Axial and Bending Loads

This paper presents development of 3D non-linear finite element model to simulate the response and predict the behavior of un-bonded mild steel bars under axial and bending loading. The models were successfully analyzed with the finite element software ANSYS, taking into account the nonlinear material properties of the reinforced mild steel bars. A bending strain relationship is derived based on a parametric study involving multiple nonlinear finite element models. A mild steel fracture criterion based on low-cycle fatigue models is proposed to control the total (elastic and plastic) strains in the mild steel bar below a maximum permissible limit. In addition, FE predictions of bar elongation due to strain penetration reasonably agreed with a proposed empirical equation by Raynor and Lehman. It was concluded that the equation proposed by Raynor and Lehman is considered valid for estimating the additional unbounded length and can be used in both analysis and design.