Title:
Multidirectional Membrane Reinforcement
Author(s):
Stefan J. Medwadowski
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
86
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
563-569
Keywords:
cracking (fracturing); diaphragms (concrete); ductility; folded plates; loads (forces); load transfer; membranes; reinforced concrete; reinforcing steels; shearwalls; shells (structural forms); strength; structural design; Design
DOI:
10.14359/3288
Date:
9/1/1989
Abstract:
A method for analyzing local strength of reinforced concrete membranes reinforced with a multidirectional mesh and subjected to known in-plane internal forces is presented. Such structures occur often in practice, and include shearwalls, floor diaphragms, folded plates, and shells. The effect of concrete cracking on the response of the shell under proportionately increasing loads is examined. The governing system of equations is derived, and a numerical, iterative procedure is developed to calculate local response at any load stage through ultimate. Gupta's conclusion that up to first yield, crack direction remains constant and then rotates, is confirmed. It is shown that at yield all bars are in tension, and ultimate ductile strength can be calculated from a simple relation; to obtain a time-history response, the method presented here has to be used. The procedure is illustrated with two numerical examples.