Torsional Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Girders with Web Openings

Abstract

In this study, a three dimensional finite element analysis was utilized to study the behavior of reinforced concrete T-
girders with and without web openings under pure torsion by using
ANSYS
APDL
15.0 program.
Fourteen
reinforce concrete T
-
girders were ana
lyzed; one of the
girders (without web openings)
was
modeled as a control girder. The analysis variables
considered for the other girders are: size, shape, position
of web openings
, number of web
openings and the method
was
used to strengthen the member at
openings, (using internal
deformed steel bars as in the case where the openings are planned before casting the girders).
To
study the general
behavior of
finite element models,
torque
-
angle
of twist plots at the end of the
span near the loaded arms were r
epresented.
From this
relation
, it was
showed a de
c
reasing in
the strength of the T
-
girders with web openings under the torsional loads and increasing of the
angle of twist
.
The
results were analyzed in terms of torque twist characteristics; ultimate torque,
crack patterns,
crack width,
warping
and
stresses.
These terms were presented and a comparison
between the finite element results was made.
Keywords
: