Analysis of Reinforcement Strain Profiles Using Digital Twin Concept

Although the significance of the interaction between concrete and reinforcement for reinforced concrete mechanics is well-known, its inherent complexity necessitates in-depth microscopy research. In this study, contact zones between concrete and reinforcement were examined using a short RC tie under tension that was shorter than the mean crack spacing for that tie. The specimen cross-section was 150 × 150 mm and it was centrically reinforced with a D16 single ribbed bar. A three-dimensional finite element approach with a slightly changed rebar shape is used for rib-scale simulation. At first, a sensitivity study was conducted on the contact zone parameters including initial cohesion, tensile stiffness, and angle of internal friction. Later, new values for normal and tangential stiffness were introduced that best fitted the experimental data at 40 kN load for a particular diameter of rebar. These values were used to inspect steel strain profiles at different load levels and compare them with experimental evidence.