Numerical Simulation of the Behavior of Reinforced UHPFRC Ties Considering Effects of Tension Stiffening and Shrinkage

[EN] Highlights What are the main findings? The developed non-linear finite element model (NLFEM) enables reliable prediction of shrinkage strain range in reinforced UHPFRC ties. The NLFEM reliably reproduces the tension-stiffening behavior of reinforced UHPFRC ties using average parameters derived...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Mezquida Alcaraz, Eduardo José, Navarro-Gregori, Juan|||0000-0002-6319-7029, Serna Ros, Pedro|||0000-0001-8754-1165
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
Repositorio:RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:riunet______::4a30dec1836c3eb7036b1b7d78e6f541
Acceso en línea:https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/234572
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete
Finite element modeling
Reinforced UHPFRC tensile elements
Tensile bars
UHPFRC shrinkage range
Mechanical tensile response
Tensile parameters
Descripción
Sumario:[EN] Highlights What are the main findings? The developed non-linear finite element model (NLFEM) enables reliable prediction of shrinkage strain range in reinforced UHPFRC ties. The NLFEM reliably reproduces the tension-stiffening behavior of reinforced UHPFRC ties using average parameters derived from a simplified four-point-inverse analysis (4P-IA) method. What is the implication of the main findings? This study aims to develop a reliable and direct design procedure for UHPFRC, ensuring consistency from material characterization to structural application. Shrinkage effects are crucial and must be addressed in the design of reinforced UHPFRC elements under serviceability conditions.Highlights What are the main findings? The developed non-linear finite element model (NLFEM) enables reliable prediction of shrinkage strain range in reinforced UHPFRC ties. The NLFEM reliably reproduces the tension-stiffening behavior of reinforced UHPFRC ties using average parameters derived from a simplified four-point-inverse analysis (4P-IA) method. What is the implication of the main findings? This study aims to develop a reliable and direct design procedure for UHPFRC, ensuring consistency from material characterization to structural application. Shrinkage effects are crucial and must be addressed in the design of reinforced UHPFRC elements under serviceability conditions.Abstract This study presents a reliable methodology for analyzing reinforced ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) elements by linking material behavior to structural performance. A non-linear finite element model (NLFEM) is proposed to simulate the tensile response of reinforced UHPFRC elements, with particular emphasis on shrinkage effects. The model operates in two phases: the first simulates shrinkage during specimen storage and the second simulates the mechanical tensile test, using the internal stresses from the first phase as initial conditions. The model was validated through an experimental program involving reinforced UHPFRC ties. The NLFEM accurately reproduced the load-displacement response using average UHPFRC tensile parameters obtained from a simplified Four-Point bending test Inverse Analysis method (4P-IA). It reliably predicted the shrinkage strain range and its impact on stiffness loss during microcrack initiation and stabilization, where tension-stiffening behavior is critical. Additionally, the simulation from the model captured the transition from microcracking to macrocrack formation and the role of fiber bridging in maintaining stiffness. The predicted shrinkage strain aligns with values reported in the literature and represents a conservative upper bound, neglecting the potential effects of creep and relaxation. Overall, the NLFEM effectively simulates the full tension-stiffening behavior of reinforced UHPFRC, including three-dimensional effects, and provides a reliable tool for structural analysis and design.