Computational Challenges and Experimental Validation of the Flexural Behaviour of RC Beams Using the Nonlinear 3D Finite Element Analysis by the Damage Plasticity Model in Abaqus: a Guidance Study

Statement of the problem. Due to the remarkable development of the reinforced concrete (RC), there is a growing need to rely on the finite element analysis (FEA) and numerical analysis, specifically with complicated phenomena (as nonlinearity and failure) that are hard to clarify experimentally. Results. This study tackles both the finite element analysis and the numerical one to extend a valuable supplement to the behavioral laboratory study besides approving the theoretical calculations. Thus, the 3D finite element simulation was conducted with the suitable modeling elements types, size, and the corresponding constitutive model using the well-known structural analysis package ABAQUS. The material parameters of the concrete damage plasticity (CDP) model in ABAQUS were validated based on the test results of simply supported two beams tested under four-point loading taken from the open literature and the numerical results were compared with the experimental values. In terms of a load-deflection response, the results of both the experimental and the numerical studies show good agreement. In terms of crack patterns, a good agreement between the two models was also observed. The concrete damaged plasticity model is capable of predicting the ultimate load capacity and the formation of the concrete cracks in RC beams against any kind of loads. Conclusions. Therefore, the CDP model is a versatile tool for modeling RC structures and meticulous choice of solution procedures in order to obtain an accurate modeling using a few routine laboratory test results of the materials. While analyzing the beams structurally, it was proved that the suggested model exhibited an excellent approximation to the projects of reinforced concrete beams.