Title:
Sectional Analysis of Concrete Structures under Fatigue Loading
Author(s):
Carlos Zanuy, Luis Albajar, and Pablo de la Fuente
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
106
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
667-677
Keywords:
beam(s); cyclic loading; fatigue; reinforced concrete
DOI:
10.14359/51663107
Date:
9/1/2009
Abstract:
The effect of repeated loading on concrete structures is an increasingly interesting subject for a correct lifetime-oriented design. Fatigue of concrete is a continuous and progressive microcracking mechanism leading to increasing permanent strains and decreasing stiffness. This paper proposes a time-dependent (that is, cycle-dependent) model for concrete that accounts for the changes of the mechanical properties during the fatigue life. The model is then implemented into a sectional algorithm to reproduce the evolution of the stress-strain state of reinforced concrete members. Theoretical results are compared with existing experimental data of reinforced concrete beams. The type of fatigue failure is investigated depending on the sectional capacity for redistribution of stresses.