Zum Trag- und Verformungsverhalten von Stahlbetonbalken unter Torsionsbeanspruchung

Load-bearing behaviour and deformation characteristics of RC beams subjected to torsion

Structural analyses of reinforced concrete structures, including the evaluation of internal reactions and deformations, are increasingly characterized by the utilisation of overall numerical models. In doing so, a realistic approximation of stiffness properties becomes more and more important especially in case of complex and highly hyperstatic structural systems being investigated. Due to a dramatic decrease in torsional rigidity upon reaching the so-called cracked state II, this particularly applies where the overall load-bearing behaviour and internal stress distribution is decisively influenced by RC beams subjected to torsion. According to DAfStb report no. 240 [1] internal reactions may be calculated taking into account a reduced torsional stiffness of some 30 % whereas report no. 239 [2] recommends upon completion of the crack formation (state II) to only consider 10 % of the uncracked rigidity (state I). In order to critically discuss these proposals and to derive reasonable recommendations for numerical analyses, the present paper firstly evaluates existing experimental results of individual RC members under torsion which are then numerically analysed along the entire loading path (until failure) using the finite-element-programme Abaqus. In addition, by performing non-linear simulations individual members with different longitudinal bearing conditions are investigated, in order to assess the influence of longitudinal restraints and the related load portion being carried by warping torsion. Finally, corresponding torsion tests are carried out to verify the non-linear analyses.