Nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete beam resting on soil

The calculation of the internal forces of a reinforced concrete beam resting on soil depends on the rigidity of the beam as well as the deformation characteristics of soil. The purpose of the present study is to simulate the behavior of a reinforced concrete beam resting on soil. This simulation model accounts for the various source of material nonlinearity of the reinforced concrete, such as cracking, tension stiffening, creep and shrinkage. The deformation characteristics of the soil is idealized using individual springs (Winkler foundation) - or individual springs provided by shear layer (Pasternak foundation) - or Winkler, Pasternak with kelvin type) to simulate the viscous properties of soil. A comparison between the theoretical results and the limited experimental results available in literature is included.