Development of Finite Element Analysis for Intermediate Length Coupling Beams Considering Bond-Slip Interface

Finite element analysis is performed on four reinforced concrete coupling beams of intermediate length using 2-D plane stress elements, under monotonic load up to failure. The model is verified using the results from (Nabilah and Koh in KSCE J Civil Eng 21:2807-2813, 2017). The bond-slip interface for the longitudinal reinforcement is modeled in the finite element, as it is found that it better predicts the load-deformation behavior compared to perfect bond. The comparison between finite element analysis and the experiment found that the model is able to predict the overall behavior of the structure, especially the maximum load capacity. The maximum deformation and the shear deformation from the finite element analysis are found to be underestimated, due to the inability of the model to predict shear deformation accurately. Flexural deformation (due to flexure and slip) is found to be well predicted, as the bond-slip behavior is modeled in the analysis. Generally, the shear deformation and slip are found to be significant in the intermediate length coupling beam and should not be ignored in the analysis. Finally, the effective stiffness prediction using finite element analysis is found to be overestimated and should be determined instead using existing equations.