Rotational springs for localized crack modeling in structural concrete

This paper presents a mechanical and numerical approach to model localized deformations occurring in concrete structures with less than minimum reinforcement. The presented models are based on, validated against large-scale experiments conducted previous study investigate the behavior of minimally reinforced slab framework structural safety assessment an existing cut cover tunnel. deploys rotational springs embedded nonlinear finite element analysis capture concentrating inclined crack. An iterative solution procedure ensures equilibrium compatibility crack section by adjusting spring stiffnesses, which depend on acting loads. A case shows that has minor effect global behavior. In contrast, localization strongly influences stress resultants crack, compressive membrane action significantly impacts load–deformation is relevant particularly for shear strength.