SOFTENED TRUSS MODEL

If the constitutive laws are based on the nonlinear, softened stressstrain relationships (i.e. 2D or biaxial), then the theory will be more accurate, but more complex. This nonlinear theory is called the rotating angle softened truss model. In this model the constitutive equations are based on the actual, observed stressstrain relationships of concrete and steel. The stressstrain curve of concrete must reflect two characteristics. The first is the nonlinear relationship between stress and strain. The second is the softening of concrete in compression, caused by cracking due to tension in the perpendicular direction. The softened truss model is also applied to the pre- stressed concrete 2-D Elements under Proportional Loading Proportional Membrane Loadings The stress state described by the three applied stresses l, t and t in the _ t coordinate of a 2-D element is shown in Figure (a). This stress state can also be expressed in terms of three principal stress variables 1, S and 1, in the 1 2 coordinate as shown in the figure (b). Failure Modes of RC 2-D Elements A 2-D element subjected to a given set of shear and normal stresses may be designed to fail in different modes. Depending on the selected thickness of the 2-D element, the steel may yield before the crushing of concrete or the concrete may crush before the yielding of steel. Depending on the percentage ratios of steel in the two directions, yielding of the steel may first occur in the longitudinal bars or in the transverse bars. A 2-D element designed in different ways will behave very differently. Depending on the longitudinal steel percentages (l) and the transverse steel percentages (t), a 2-D element may fail in four modes: 1. Under-reinforced 2-D element, both the longitudinal steel and the transverse steel yield before the crushing of concrete. 2. 2-D element partially under-reinforced in l-direction. Longitudinal steel yields before the crushing of concrete. Transverse steel does not yield. 3. 2-D element partially under-reinforced in t-direction. Transverse steel yields before the crushing of concrete. Longitudinal steel does not yield. 4. Over-reinforced 2-D element. Concrete crushes before the yielding of steel in both directions.