Finite-Element Parametric Study of Bond and Splitting Stresses in Reinforced Concrete Tie Members

A nonlinear finite element (FE) technique is used to study the bond mechanism at the steel/concrete interface in reinforced concrete (RC) tie members. The accuracy of three different FE bond models, namely, the perfect bond, the diagonal link element, and the bond zone, is examined against the experimental data from two different sources. The bond zone model is shown to be reasonably accurate in predicting both bond shear and normal stresses. Based on the results of the FE analysis, a multilinear curve is proposed to approximate the distribution of the bond shear stresses. The peak bond shear stresses and the average splitting tensile stresses caused by the bond normal stresses are determined through FE parametric studies using the bond zone approach. The results of this study can be used as a guideline for the determination of bond-related parameters that are essential in the crack prediction of one-way and two-way members. (C) 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.