Structural modelling

Structural modelling research at the Grassl Group — Concrete Mechanics for Performance Based Design at the University of Glasgow.

We study the response of concrete and RC structures via detailed finite element analyses using our damage–plasticity constitutive models. Topics include dynamic loading (impact, blast), reinforcement detailing in connections, and progressive collapse of frames.

Drop-weight impact on a reinforced-concrete beam: structural FE model — Drop-weight impact on reinforced concrete (structural FE model).

We analysed RC structures under dynamic loading — impact (Grassl et al., 2018) and blast (Grassl, 2019). In 3D models, reinforcement is represented with beam elements placed independently of the tetrahedral concrete mesh, with bond–slip interaction between steel and concrete.

We also investigate reinforcement detailing effects in structural connections, including straight (Grassl & Middlemiss, 2019) and loop lap splices (Grassl, 2019), and the influence of steel fibres in the concrete matrix on strength and ductility.

Ongoing work focuses on modelling frame collapse using damage–plasticity for linear Timoshenko beams, and repair/strengthening of concrete components with CFRP/CFRC techniques.

See Publications or contact me for more information.