Finite Element Analysis of Vertical and Horizontal Curved Beams

Reinforced concrete curved beams are used in a wide range for many construction purposes when it is installed either horizontally or vertically. The current study presents an analytical investigation on the behavior of both vertical and horizontal curved beams. This research aims to determine the capacity difference for curved beams due to their installation position and comparing their results with conventional beams. Four parameters are utilized in our study: installation position (vertical - horizontal), shaped curvature (parabolic - semicircular), cross-section width & shear-span to depth ratio (a/d). A Finite Element Analysis is carried out to investigate the studied parameters using the software package (ANSYS 15.0). The curved beams are simulated using 3-D elements. Firstly, the results of curved beams are compared with the findings of similar beams previously experimentally tested to validate the analytical results. Then the parametric study is carried out to investigate the studied parameters mentioned above. The recorded results showed that there is good agreement between ANSYS results and the previous experiments. Each beam is loaded gradually up to failure, then failure loads and corresponding displacements are obtained, moreover crack patterns. Also, the P-Delta curves are drawn. © 2022 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.