Modeling of inelastic behavior of deep reinforced concrete beams

Reinforced concrete deep beams are a subject of considerable interest in structural engineering applications. In the literature, there is a strong interest in examining the behavior of reinforced concrete deep beams in which shear strength predominates, as expressed by the experimental work of Kong et.al. (1970) and by numerous experimental studies in recent years. Deep beams are used in many structures as load distribution elements such as transfer beams, foundation pile caps and foundation walls. Due to the complex stress distribution in deep beams, it requires different design criteria than conventional beams. Strut and Tie Methods (STM) or finite element analysis are used in the literature for deep beam design and analysis. However, it is observed that there is no clear solution method in the examined regulations and a common solution method is not used. In this study, it was aimed to simulate the complex and nonlinear inelastic behavior of single and double span deep beams tested by Rogowski et al., (1983) by performing one-to-one modeling with the complex finite element method, as a result of the study data that are costly, difficult or impossible to obtain experimentally could be measured. Within the scope of the study, the behavior of deep beams was investigated by using four different concrete material models and it was aimed to determine the appropriate material model. Experimentally validated numerical models can be used as a reference for modeling beams with different geometry and material parameters, as well as providing a suitable alternative for experimental studies that require technical infrastructure, high cost and time.