Buckling and Free Vibration Analyses of Various Nanoparticle Reinforced Concrete Beams Resting on Multi-Parameter Elastic Foundations

Materials (Basel). 2023 Aug 27;16(17):5865. doi: 10.3390/ma16175865.

Abstract

Given their considerable specific surface area and amorphous characteristics, nanoparticles exhibit excellent pozzolanic activity, and when undergoing a reaction with calcium hydroxide, this leads to the generation of a denser matrix by promoting the formation of a greater amount of C-S-H gel, thereby enhancing the strength and durability of the concrete and fortifying the overall structure. Indeed, the present study investigates a comparative study of the buckling and free vibration analyses of concrete beams reinforced with various types of nanoparticles. For its simplicity and accuracy, a higher-order shear deformation theory will be used to analytically model the reinforced concrete beam. Furthermore, the powerful Eshelby's model is used to derive the equivalent nanocomposite properties. The soil medium is simulated with Pasternak elastic foundation, including a shear layer, and Winkler's spring, interlinked with a Kerr foundation. The motion equations are derived using Hamilton's principle. Moreover, based on Navier's analytical methods, the closed-form solutions of simply supported beams have been obtained. Different parameters, such as type and volume percent of nanoparticles, geometrical parameters, choice of theory and soil medium, on the buckling and dynamic behavior of the beam, are exercised and shown. The major findings of this work indicate that the use of nanoparticles in concretes increases better mechanical resistance and amplifies the natural frequencies. In addition, the elastic foundation has a significant impact on the buckling and vibration performances of concrete beams.

Keywords: Winkler–Pasternak–Kerr foundation; beams theory; buckling; homogenization model; nanoparticles; reinforced concrete; vibration.

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.