Nonlinear finite element analysis for reinforced concrete haunched beams with opening

In the current paper, an analysis was carried out on fourteen simply supported reinforced concrete haunched beams(RCHBs). The members were designed for developing shear failure that presented by Colunga et al. in 2008. The verification process was carried out on three solid RC haunched beams analyzed by nonlinear finite element method by ANSYS to ascertain the accuracy and validity of FE procedure. The results of the validation showed a well matching between the FE and the experimental tests involving the load-deflection curves and load capacities, also parametric study was done by several parameters including an existence of transverse opening in the haunch zone, presence of longitudinal opening and varying the compressive strength. The result showed and confirmed that these beams had a higher deformation and energy dissipation, also the existence of the opening led to decrease of the shear strength of these beams; maximum reduction occurred in the longitudinal opening 125*125 mm by 39%, also the lateral opening 100*100 mm, maximum decreasing occurred when the presence of the opening near the vertex by 30%. In addition, reinforcing the opening and increasing f'c restored the lost strength and enhanced the ductility.