Title: Brittle Flexural Failures in Reinforced Concrete Frame Structural Systems

Author(s): Filippo Sangiorgio

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 115

Issue: 6

Appears on pages(s): 1737-1750

Keywords: brittle flexural failures; Eurocodes; material properties; Monte Carlo techniques; multiple failure modes; probabilistic model; reinforced concrete (RC) structures

DOI: 10.14359/51706890

Date: 11/1/2018

Abstract:
Several factors influence the load-carrying capacity and failure modes of reinforced concrete (RC) structural systems, thus increasing even the risk of occurrence of brittle flexural failures. The objective of this paper is to conduct a sensitivity analysis, by means of probabilistic and statistical techniques, of the resistance of RC frame structural systems designed according to Eurocodes, and to identify the main causes that can lead to brittle flexural failures. A probabilistic model for the resistance-related parameters is derived and different structural systems are studied through nonlinear analysis via Monte Carlo simulations. A multivariate statistical evaluation of outcomes is performed. Results highlight which parameters are crucial for the evolution of brittle behaviors.