The main purpose of this paper is to develop a reliable method based on a three-dimensional (3D) finite-element (FE) model to simulate the constitutive behaviour of reinforced concrete structures strengthened with post-tensioned or pre-stressed tendons well beyond the elastic domain. The post-tensioned concrete is modelled as a composite material whose behaviour is described with the serial-parallel rule of mixtures (S-P RoM) (Rastellini et al., 2008; Martinez et al., 2008; Martinez et al., 2014 [3]) and the nonlinear behaviour of each component is accounted for by means of plasticity and damage models. 3D FE models were used, where the nonlinear material behaviour and geometrical analysis based on incremental-iterative load methods were adopted. Several examples are shown where the capabilities of the method on large scale structures are exhibited taking into account the self-weight, the post-tension load and different pressure loads. A new metric for computing the crack opening displacement inside a finite element is proposed.

Peer Reviewed