Grid size effects with smeared cracking in finite element analysis of reinforced concrete

The effects of modeling parameters on the response of finite element representations of reinforced concrete members are examined. The convergence of load deflection curves and cracking patterns is studied. Nonlinear behavior is limited to cracking of the concrete and yielding of the reinforcement. The smeared crack representation is governed by a limiting tensile stress criterion. Concrete is treated as linear elastic in compression. Reinforcement has a bilinear stress-strain curve. Constant strain bar elements and rectangular isoparametric elements model the steel and concrete, respectively. Analyses are performed for flexural members under both a uniformly distributed load and a concentrated load at midspan, using a minimum of three variations in grid refinement.