Modelling of Resinous Material Filling Expansion Joints in Reinforced Concrete Structures

Materials (Basel). 2023 Feb 28;16(5):2011. doi: 10.3390/ma16052011.

Abstract

This paper is a continuation of the research and analysis to estimate hyperelastic material constants when only uniaxial test data are available. The FEM simulation was expanded and the results obtained from three-dimensional and plane strain expansion joint models were compared and discussed. The original tests were carried out for a gap with a width of 10 mm, whereas in the case of axial stretching, the stresses and internal forces caused by the leading deformations were recorded for a smaller gap, and the axial compression was also recorded. The differences in the global response between the three- and two-dimensional models were also considered. Finally, using FEM simulations, the values of stresses and cross-sectional forces in the filling material were determined, which can be the basis for the design of expansion joints geometry. The results of these analyses could form the basis of guidelines for the design of expansion joint gaps filled with material, ensuring the waterproofing of the joint.

Keywords: FEM model; dilatation gap; hyperelasticity; reinforced concrete structure.

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.