Bei Ermüdungsnachweisen von Betonstrukturen, vor allem im Bereich Offshore, wird die schrittweise Degradation von Materialparametern oftmals nicht berücksichtigt. Eine Auswirkung dieser Schädigung des Materials in Teilbereichen des Betonquerschnitts in Abhängigkeit des Belastungszustands ist eine Spannungsumlagerung innerhalb des Querschnitts und somit die Verlängerung der theoretischen Nutzungsdauer der Betonstruktur. Beton wird in seinen Eigenschaften mithilfe von Materialparametern näher bestimmt. Ein sehr wichtiger Materialparameter ist der E-Modul, auch Elastizitätskoeffizient genannt. Ein Weg, die Schädigung des Materials in einer FE-Analyse zu berücksichtigen, ist die schrittweise Anpassung und Minimierung des E-Moduls. Um ein Bauwerk zu bemessen, seinen internen Spannungsverlauf oder sein Verformungsverhalten vorherzusagen, ist es somit von großer Wichtigkeit, diesen Parameter genau zu bestimmen, seine Veränderung mit der Zeit und aufgrund seiner Belastungshistorie zu kennen. In diesem Beitrag wird zusätzlich zur Robustheits- und Redundanz-Definition auch eine Lebenszeitberechnung des Strabag-Testfundaments in Cuxhaven nach Model Code 1990 für die geplanten Ermüdungsversuche mit realistisch verändertem E-Modul ausgeführt. An der Fallstudie Cuxhaven wird mithilfe eines linearen, iterativen Modellbildungsprozesses die Nutzung der Robustheit des Systems für die Verlängerung der verbleibenden Nutzungsdauer gezeigt.

Concrete structures under cyclic loading - robustness and redundancy considerations for residual lifetime optimization
Concerning fatigue analysis of concrete structures, especially in offshore areas, the continuous degradation of material parameters is not taken into account. One effect of the damaged material structure in parts of the concrete cross section is the stress redistribution from highly loaded (damaged) areas to low loaded (undamaged) areas and therefore an elongation of the theoretical residual service life. Concrete is described by the use of material parameters. A very important parameter is the E-modulus, also called the modulus of elasticity. A possibility to consider the degradation process within the material concrete is the gradual adaption and minimization of the E-modulus. In order to analyze and dimension a structure, to predict the internal stress distribution and deflection behavior, it is very important to specify this parameter and to know the variation according loading history and time.
In addition to robustness and redundancy definition given in this article, a life time calculation of the Strabag gravity base test foundation in Cuxhaven according Model Code 1990 for the planned fatigue tests with realistic reduction of E-Modulus is performed. Concerning the case study “Cuxhaven” the use of system robustness in order to extend the residual service life is been demonstrated by means of a linear iterative modeling process.

Seit 2012 liegt Eurocode 2 zusammen mit dem nationalen Anhang in Deutschland vor. Die größtenteils aus dem Model Code 1990 übernommene Durchstanzbemessung regelt das Durchstanzen von Einzelfundamenten und Bodenplatten neu. Mit dem Model Code 2010 wurde das Bemessungskonzept zum Durchstanzen überarbeitet und in die zum 01.01.2013 eingeführte schweizerische Norm SIA 262:2013 übernommen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die Bemessungsgleichungen zur Bestimmung der Durchstanztragfähigkeit nach Eurocode 2, dem deutschen Anhang zu Eurocode 2, Model Code 2010 und SIA 262 ausführlich vorgestellt. Durch Parameterrechnungen werden die Haupteinflüsse aus Schubschlankheit, statischer Nutzhöhe, Längsbewehrungsgrad und Betondruckfestigkeit auf die Durchstanztragfähigkeit von Einzelfundamenten näher untersucht und den rechnerischen Durchstanzwiderständen gegenübergestellt. Durch Vergleiche mit den Ergebnissen systematischer Versuchsserien werden das Sicherheitsniveau und die Wirtschaftlichkeit der Bemessungsgleichungen überprüft.

Punching shear design of footings - present code provisions: parametric study and comparison with test results
Since 2012, Eurocode 2 and the corresponding National Annex have been introduced in Germany. Most design provisions were adopted from Model Code 1990 and provide a new design approach for ground slabs and footings. For Model Code 2010, the design concept was again revised and introduced in the Swiss standard SIA262:2013. In this paper, the design equations for the determination of the punching capacity according to Eurocode 2, the German annex to Eurocode 2, Model Code 2010, and SIA 262:2013 are presented in detail.
Parameter studies are used to examine the influence of the main punching parameters (shear span depth-ratio, effective depth, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and concrete compressive strength) on the punching shear resistance of footings. To quantify the safety level and the efficiency, the design provisions are compared to systematic test series.

Während die Druckfestigkeit des Betons durch gleichzeitig wirkenden Querdruck gegenüber der einaxialen Druckfestigkeit erheblich gesteigert werden kann, führen Querzugbeanspruchung und Rissbildung zu einer Abminderung der Tragfähigkeit. Dies gilt für unbewehrten Beton und Stahlbeton gleichermaßen. In den einschlägigen Regelwerken finden sich hierzu international sehr unterschiedliche Bemessungsansätze, wobei die vorgesehenen Abminderungsbeiwerte für denselben Anwendungsfall um das bis zu Zweifache differieren. Die Frage der Druck-Zug-Festigkeit von Stahlbeton wurde in den vergangenen 40 Jahren von zahlreichen Wissenschaftlern untersucht. Ihre Ergebnisse sind allerdings zum Teil ebenso widersprüchlich wie die aktuelle Normensituation. Basierend auf eigenen experimentellen Untersuchungen sowie einer kritischen Auswertung und Einordnung als richtungweisend angesehener, früherer Versuchsreihen wird ein Vorschlag zur Abminderung der Druckfestigkeit des gerissenen Stahlbetons entwickelt. Erstmals wird dabei auch der Einfluss einer Faserzugabe in Kombination mit Stabstahlbewehrung berücksichtigt. Ein Vergleich mit den in DIN 1045-1, CEB-FIP Model Code 1990, Eurocode 2 und ACI Standard 318-05 angegebenen Bemessungsregeln zeigt, dass allein DIN 1045-1 die in den Versuchen beobachtete maximale Abminderung der Druckfestigkeit durch Querzug und Rissbildung zum Teil erheblich unterschätzt, so dass eine konservative Auslegung der Tragwerke nicht immer sichergestellt ist.

Biaxial Compression-Tension-Strength of Reinforced Concrete and Reinforced Steel Fibre Concrete
The compressive strength of concrete can be substantially increased in relation to uni-axial compressive strength by transverse compression acting at the same time. In contrast, transverse tension and cracking lead to a reduction of the load-carrying capacity. This holds true for plain concrete as well as for reinforced concrete. In international standards very different calculation rules can be found on this subject, whereby the provided reductions differ up to a factor of two for the same application. The question of biaxial compression-tension-strength of reinforced concrete was examined in the past 40 years by numerous scientists. Their results are, however, partially contradictory in the same way as the current standard situation. Based on own experimental investigations as well as on a critical review and classification of former test series regarded as trend-setting, a proposal for the reduction of the compressive strength of cracked reinforced concrete is developed. For the first time, also the influence of fibres in addition to bar reinforcement is considered thereby. A comparison with the calculation rules in DIN 1045-1, CEB-FIP Model Code 1990, Eurocode 2, and ACI Standard 318-05 shows, that exclusively DIN 1045-1 underestimates sometimes substantially the maximum reduction of the compressive strength by transverse tension and cracking observed in the tests, so that a conservative design of structures cannot always be ensured.

Die Regelungen zur Durchstanzbemessung im Eurocode 2 basieren im Wesentlichen auf den Modellvorstellungen in Model Code 90, der die Durchstanztragfähigkeit auf die Querkrafttragfähigkeit zurückführt. Nach Versuchsauswertungen ist diese Analogie für punktgestützte Platten jedoch nicht in jedem Fall zutreffend. Insbesondere für bügelbewehrte Platten ist bei der Bemessung nach Eurocode 2 ein Sicherheitsdefizit möglich, und es erscheint eine Anpassung der Bemessungsgleichungen zwingend erforderlich. Dieser Beitrag erläutert die Sicherheitsdefizite und schlägt verbesserte Bemessungsgleichungen vor.

Punching of Flat Slabs according to Eurocode 2
The punching shear provisions according to Eurocode 2 are based on the design recommendations in Model Code 90 where no differentiation between shear and punching shear design is made. This approach is not fully confirmed by test results for flat slabs. In particular for flat slabs with stirrups as shear reinforcement some design provisions according to Eurocode 2 do not achieve the required safety level. Therefore adjustments to the design equations seem to be necessary. In this paper the Eurocode 2 provisions are critically reviewed and improved design regulations are proposed.

No short description available.

Um wirtschaftliche hochfeste Konstruktionsleichtbetone mit möglichst geringer Trockenrohdichte und guter Verarbeitbarkeit zu entwickeln und bestehende Forschungslücken zum Tragverhalten zu schließen, wurde ein mehrjähriges Verbund-Foschungsvorhaben aufgelegt, dessen Ergebnisse im Rahmen eines Pilotprojektes erstmals erfolgreich eingeflossen sind. Dieser Aufsatz widmet sich den durchgeführten Untersuchungen zum Tragverhalten. In mehreren Versuchsserien an Probebalken wurde für Konstruktionsleichtbetone unterschiedlicher Festigkeiten der Einfluß seiner Normaldruckkraft auf die Schub- und Biegetragwirkung untersucht mit dem Ziel, die Bemessungsansätze nach DIN 1045-1, Model Code MC 90 und ENV 1992-1-1 (EC 2) zu überprüfen bzw. ggf. zu modifizieren sowie konstruktive Details für Bauteile aus vorgespanntem Leichtbeton bereitzustellen. Die Untersuchungen stellen die Voraussetzungen für den sicheren Einsatz von hochfestem Konstruktionsleichtbeton im Spannbetonbau dar.

Mit dem Ziel, einen Überblick über aktuelle normative Modelle zur Berechnung der Rissbreite im Stahlbetonbau zu erhalten, wurden diese am iBMB, Fachgebiet Massivbau der TU Braunschweig zusammengestellt und verglichen. Um einen unabhängigen Vergleich der Modelle sicherzustellen, wurde eine Datenbasis mit Versuchswerten zu Rissbreiten zusammengestellt. Der Modellvergleich wurde auf zentrische Zugversuche, bei denen charakteristische Werte der gemessenen Rissbreiten (95 %-Quantilwerte) angegeben waren bzw. ermittelt werden konnten, beschränkt. Durch die Vergleichsberechnungen konnte gezeigt werden, dass zwischen den unterschiedlichen Modellen signifikante Abweichungen auftreten. Während der Eurocode 2 die im Versuch gemessenen Rissbreiten tendenziell überschätzt, werden die Rissbreiten mit den Nationalen Anhängen für Deutschland bzw. Österreich überwiegend unterschätzt. Mit dem Modell nach Model Code 2010 werden die Versuchsergebnisse im Mittel ebenfalls überschätzt, die Ergebnisse liegen jedoch zwischen denen nach Eurocode 2 sowie den Nationalen Anhängen für Deutschland bzw. Österreich. Des Weiteren kann mit den Modellen der Nationalen Anhänge für Deutschland und Österreich sowie des Model Code 2010 eine, gegenüber dem Eurocode 2, erhöhte Vorhersagegenauigkeit erreicht werden.

Comparison of code provisions for the calculation of crack widths
In order to give an overview of current code provisions for the calculation of crack widths, these provisions were compiled and compared at the iBMB, Department of Concrete Construction of TU Braunschweig. In order to ensure an independent comparison, a database with test values for crack widths was compiled. The comparative calculations were limited to tensile tests in which characteristic values of the measured crack widths (95 %-quantile values) were or could be determined. As a result, it can be stated that significant deviations occurred for the different code provisions. While the provisions by Eurocode 2 tend to overestimate the test values, the National Annexes for Germany and Austria mainly underestimate the measured crack widths. Model Code 2010 also overestimates the test results on average, but the results are between those obtained with Eurocode 2 and the national annexes for Germany and Austria. Furthermore, the models in the national annexes for Germany and Austria as well as the Model Code 2010 achieve a higher prediction accuracy than Eurocode 2.

Das ständig steigende Verkehrsaufkommen sowie die im Laufe der Jahre überarbeiteten Bemessungsnormen erfordern eine neue Beurteilung der angestrebten Nutzungsdauer bestehender Brücken. Die rechnerische Schubtragfähigkeit erweist sich hierbei in vielen Fällen als besonders problematisch. Im Zuge der Überarbeitung der österreichischen Nachrechnungsrichtlinie ONR 24008 “Bewertung der Tragfähigkeit bestehender Eisenbahn- und Straßenbrücken” wurden Vergleichsberechnungen bezüglich der rechnerischen Querkrafttragfähigkeit von Bestandsbrücken nach Eurocode 2 und fib Model Code 2010 durchgeführt. Der vorliegende Beitrag fasst die wesentlichen Ergebnisse aus dem Vergleich zwischen fib Model Code 2010 und dem Eurocode 2 zusammen und erläutert die Besonderheiten der Berechnung der rechnerischen Querkrafttragfähigkeit gemäß fib Model Code 2010.

Comparison of the calculative shear resistance of existing bridges according to Eurocode 2 and fib Model Code 2010
Due to the constantly increasing traffic loads and the revised design approaches it becomes necessary to reassess the expected service life of existing bridges. In many cases the calculative shear resistance turns out to be particularly problematic. In the course of the revision of the Austrian Assessment Technical Regulation ONR 24008 “Evaluation of load capacity of existing railway and highway bridges” comparative calculations according to the shear carrying capacity of existing bridges conforming to Eurocode 2 and fib Model Code 2010 were carried out. The present paper summarizes the main results of the comparison between the fib Model Code 2010 and Eurocode 2 and explains characteristics of the calculations of the shear resistance according to fib Model Code 2010.

Mit Model Code 2010 wurde ein neues Bemessungskonzept für den Durchstanznachweis vorgestellt, welches auf der Theorie der kritischen Schubrissbreite (Critical Shear Crack Theory) basiert. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags werden die Durchstanzwiderstände nach Model Code 2010, Eurocode 2 und den Regelungen des deutschen Anhangs zu Eurocode 2 vorgestellt und um Hintergrundinformationen ergänzt. Anhand von Parameterrechnungen und der Nachrechnungen von Durchstanzversuchen erfolgt ein Vergleich der unterschiedlichen Bemessungskonzepte. Dabei werden Sicherheitsdefizite identifiziert und die Auswirkungen unterschiedlicher Einflussparameter auf die Durchstanztragfähigkeit von Flachdecken-Stützenknoten herausgearbeitet.

Comparison of punching shear design according to Model Code 2010 and Eurocode 2
Model Code 2010 introduces a new design concept for punching shear, which bases on the so-called Critical Shear Crack Theory. In this paper, the design provisions for punching shear according to Model Code 2010, Eurocode 2 and the corresponding German National Annex to Eurocode 2 are presented and background information is given. By means of parameter studies and a comparison of the calculated resistances to test result, the different punching shear design provisions are critically reviewed. The safety levels of the code provisions are verified and the influence of the different punching parameters on the calculated resistances is examined in detail.

Structures made of a material with a very high standard deviation, such as fibre-reinforced concrete, exhibit an exceptionally safe prediction of the maximum bearing capacity when this is derived from characteristic values identified by means of small specimens. This is emphasized when the structures are characterized by high redundancy. In this regard, two reference tests representing two extreme situations are considered: a) simply supported unnotched full-scale beams characterized by a statically determinate loading scheme and b) full-scale slabs on the ground characterized by a statically indeterminate loading scheme. The Italian standard and, more recently, the fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010 have introduced a coefficient (structural redistribution factor) that is able to take into account the reduced variability of mechanical bearing capacity when associated with a large volume involved in the failure process and/or when the structure is able to redistribute stresses significantly, thus favouring the average rather than the minimum strength. A numerical procedure taking into account the expected heterogeneity of the mechanical characteristics in the structure is introduced for the first time to evaluate the redistribution factor.

In order to address how new knowledge influences design expressions, design codes have in most cases become significantly more complex over the last decades. However, this tendency is leading to codes that are too complicated for preliminary design but still not sufficiently accurate for assessing existing structures (where even more realistic models of behaviour are sometimes required). An alternative code strategy is that proposed by codes based on a levels-of-approximation (LoA) approach. This approach is based on the use of theories based on physical parameters where the hypotheses for their application can be refined as the accuracy required increases. The approach proposes adopting safe hypotheses during the first stages of design, leading to relatively quick and simple analyses. In cases where such a degree of accuracy is not sufficient (e.g. design of complex structures, assessment of existing structures, significant potential economic savings), the hypotheses can be refined in a number of steps, leading to better estimates of the behaviour and strength of members. This approach, recently adopted in the first complete draft of Model Code 2010 for a number of design issues, is discussed within this paper with reference to punching shear provisions.

High-performance concretes such as high-strength concrete (HSC) or lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) are generally used to reduce member sizes and self-weight, and to optimize the construction of reinforced concrete structures. The bond between the aggregate particles and the cement paste can be strong enough in HSC and LWAC to cause the aggregate to fracture at cracks, which in turn reduces the shear stress that can be transferred across cracks by means of aggregate interlock. Relatively smooth cracks can also develop in self-compacting concrete due to the low coarse aggregate content. The contribution of aggregate interlock to the shear strength of RC beams is uncertain and depends on parameters such as the amount of shear reinforcement or the contribution of arching action for loads applied close to the support. Existing tests on slender RC beams without shear reinforcement have shown that shear strength is reduced by aggregate fracture. However, there is a lack of similar test data for members with stirrups and for members with varying shear span/effective depth ratios. This paper reviews the findings and contributions in this area from the experimental and analytical research of the author's PhD thesis, which was awarded the fib Achievement Award for Young Engineers in 2011.

The fib Model Code is a recommendation for the design of reinforced and prestressed concrete which is intended to be a guiding document for future codes. Model Codes have been published before, in 1978 and 1990. The draft for fib Model Code 2010 was published in May 2010. The most important new element in this Model Code is “Time” in the sense of service life. Additionally, the Model Code contains an extended state-of-theart chapter on the structural materials concrete and steel but regards non-metallic reinforcement and fibres as reinforcement as well. Many loading conditions are considered, ranging from static loading to non-static loading, considering earthquake, fatigue and impact/explosion. Five methods are offered to verify structural safety. Attention is given to verification of limit states associated with durability, robustness and sustainability. Finally, verification assisted by numerical methods and by testing is considered. Other elements that are links in the chain of life cycle design are construction and conservation. In the part on conservation the conservation strategy is treated in combination with conservation management, condition survey and assessment, and evaluation and decision-making.

Considering the depletion of resources and energy and the risks of climate change on a global scale, a thoughtless increase in the use of resources and energy in the construction sector is obviously unacceptable. The sector has until now constructed a system of technology focused on safety and comfort, with priority given to economic and social benefits. Such demands remain extremely important; however, in the future we ought to give additional consideration to the depletion of resources, energy consumption and other, ensuing environmental issues. This means that the sector needs to incorporate sustainability - including the environmental, economic and social aspects - into its systems of design and technology. The fib decided to incorporate a “concrete sustainability” concept in its new fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010. This paper explains sustainability as expressed in this code together with the background to it. In addition, the essence of sustainability with respect to future Model Codes is discussed.

Concrete has become the most used material on Earth over the 200 years following the invention of modern cement. The design concept has undergone a transition from the allowable-stress design method, limit-state design method, to the performance-based design method, in response to the evolution of materials, sophistication of experimental facilities, and advancement of computation skills. From the issues on resources and energy depletion, global warming, and resilience etc., it is necessary to create a new design framework taking into consideration the required performance beyond the conventional concept, in order to construct infrastructure and buildings in a more rational way. In other words, we should construct a design system that sets the continued existence of the diverse and rich global environment as its most important criterion of value. In this paper, we review the design and technology system developed in the past and discuss it based on the above-mentioned new viewpoint, while constructing and presenting a new design system for concrete structures, focusing mainly on the concept of sustainability, which is regarded as the most important factor in achieving conservation of Earth's rich resources as well as sound socio-economic activities of humankind in the future, and we examine its feasibility.

Dubai Municipality awarded to Porr Besix JV the Project for the Main Tunnel component of the Deep Storm Water System. The tunnel will collect both rainwater and groundwater from approximately 500 sq. km and transfer the captured flow to the sea. The Design Builder JV selected COWI as Designer of the entire Project and IC Consultant as Design Checker for the Tunnels. The Project includes approximately 10.3 km of 10-meter-inside diameter tunnel in rock, three construction shafts and one drop shaft. The main tunnel will convey stormwater and groundwater flows from the EXPO 2020 area near the intersection of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Jebal Ali Lehbab Road to the sea close to the EGA facility. The tunnel will follow beneath the road easement along Jebal Ali Lehbab Road and along Sheikh Zayed Road and continue to the pumping station. The tunnel traversed through the Barzaman and Fars formation with an overburden of 33 m with maximum water pressure of 4.4 bar and was excavated by EPB TBMs. This project is characterized by its dimensions with an internal diameter of 10 m and 350 mm of segment thickness, and by the use of steel fibre reinforced concrete in the precast segmental lining. The use of fibres aims to reduce the CO2 footprint obtaining an optimized design from the environmental point of view. These facts are associated to a complex design of precast segments, in order to ensure their structural competence and their integrity according to the durability requirements, under large thrust forces (temporary loads) and permanent load. Hence, considering such complexities, the structural design has been carried out producing a 3D structural model by means of a sophisticated FEM structural software. Results of the model allow to identify areas of the segment where spalling and bursting stresses are generated along circumferential joints and maximum value of those stresses in the temporary load cases. Moreover, a structural design verification of the segment has been undertaken considering the contribution of steel fibres class 4c, as it is set up in the FIB model code, aiming to ensure that the precast segments are structurally competent and fulfil the durability requirements of the Project. The article details the design approach and the independent checker design verification approach. The experience gained during construction is also reported, describing challenging aspects of the Tunnel execution and an analysis of the lining damages.

Statischer Entwurf einer mit Stahlfasern verstärkten Tübbingauskleidung
Die Stadtverwaltung von Dubai vergab an die Arbeitsgemeinschaft Porr Besix das Projekt DS233/2 Deep Storm Water System - Main Tunnel. Der Tunnel wird sowohl Regen- als auch Grundwasser ableiten und fast 40 % des gesamten Stadtgebiets von Dubai entwässern. Das Projekt zeichnet sich durch seine Dimensionen mit einem Innendurchmesser von 10 m und einer Tübbingdicke von 350 mm sowie durch den Einsatz von stahlfaserverstärktem Beton in der vorgefertigten Tübbingauskleidung aus. Die Verwendung von Fasern zielt darauf ab, den CO2-Fußabdruck zu reduzieren, um ein aus ökologischer Sicht optimales Design zu erhalten. Um die statische Funktion und Integrität gemäß den Dauerhaftigkeitsanforderungen aufgrund der großen Vortriebspressenkräfte (temporäre Lasten) und unter permanenter Belastung zu gewährleisten, wurde ein 3D-Strukturmodell mithilfe einer FE-Software erstellt. Die Ergebnisse des Modells ermöglichen es, die Bereiche des Segments zu identifizieren, in denen Abplatzungen und Spaltzugspannungen entlang der Umfangsfugen entstehen, sowie den maximalen Wert dieser Spannungen in den temporären Lastfällen. Darüber hinaus wurde ein statischer Nachweis des Segments unter Berücksichtigung des Beitrags von Stahlfasern der Klasse 4c durchgeführt, wie es im FIB-Modellcode festgelegt ist, um sicherzustellen, dass die vorgefertigten Segmente die Anforderungen des Projekts an die statische Tragfähigkeit und Dauerhaftigkeit erfüllen. Der Artikel beschreibt detailliert den Entwurfsansatz und den Ansatz der unabhängigen Prüfung des Entwurfs.

The experimental results for quasi-brittle materials such as concrete and fibre-reinforced concrete exhibit high variability due to the heterogeneity of their aggregates, additives and general composition. An accurate assessment of the fracture-mechanical parameters of such materials (e.g. compressive strength fc and specific fracture energy Gf) turns out to be much more difficult and problematic than for other engineering materials. The practical design of quasi-brittle material-based structures requires virtual statistical approaches, simulations and probabilistic assessment procedures in order to be able to characterize the variability of these materials. A key parameter of non-linear fracture mechanics modelling is the specific fracture energy Gf and its variability, which has been a research subject for numerous authors although we will mention only [1, 2] at this point. The aim of this contribution is the characterization of stochastic fracture-mechanical properties of four specific, frequently used classes of concrete on the basis of a comprehensive experimental testing programme.

Seit der Veröffentlichung normativer Vorschriften zur Bemessung von Stahlfaserbeton in Deutschland und Europa gewinnt dessen Einsatz für tragende Konstruktionen des Hoch- und Ingenieurbaus stetig an Bedeutung. Nach Eintreten der Rissbildung im Beton ermöglichen Makrofasern aus Stahl eine effektive Übertragung von Zugspannungen über den Riss hinweg, was sich in Bezug auf das Durchstanztragverhalten als besonders vorteilhaft erweist. Während für die Durchstanztragfähigkeit stahlfaserbewehrter Flachdecken mit Plattendicken bis 150 mm zahlreiche Versuchsergebnisse vorliegen, fehlen Untersuchungen an praxisrelevanten Plattenstärken von 200 mm bis 300 mm nahezu gänzlich. Zudem versprechen Fortschritte in der Leistungsfähigkeit moderner Stahldrahtfasern ein verbessertes Trag- und Verformungsverhalten des Stahlfaserbetons.
Zur Untersuchung des Durchstanztragverhaltens stahlfaserbewehrter Flachdecken mit praxisrelevanten Plattendicken wurden acht Durchstanzversuche an Flachdeckenausschnitten mit unterschiedlichen Plattenstärken durchgeführt. Als weitere Einflussparameter standen der Stahlfasertyp und insbesondere der Stahlfasergehalt im Vordergrund. Der vorliegende Beitrag liefert einen Überblick über die durchgeführten Versuche und diskutiert die gewonnenen Ergebnisse. Anhand eines Vergleichs der experimentell gewonnenen Versagenslasten mit den rechnerischen Durchstanztragfähigkeiten nach der Richtlinie “Stahlfaserbeton” des Deutschen Ausschusses für Stahlbeton (DAfStb) sowie nach fib Model Code 2010 erfolgt eine Bewertung der Bemessungsansätze.

Increase of the punching shear capacity and structural ductility achieved through utilisation of modern high-performance steel fibres
Since the introduction of normative regulations for the design of steel fibre reinforced concrete in Germany and Europe, the application is recently growing in concrete engineering. After crack formation has occurred in the concrete, macro fibres made of steel allow an effective transfer of tensile stresses across the crack, which proves to be particularly advantageous regarding punching shear failure. While there are numerous test results available for the punching shear capacity of steel fibre reinforced concrete slabs with slab thicknesses of up to 150 mm, there is an almost complete lack of tests on practically relevant slab thicknesses. In addition, advances in the performance of modern steel fibres promise improved load-bearing and deformation behaviour of the steel fibre concrete.
Eight punching shear tests were carried out on flat slab specimens with different slab thicknesses to investigate the punching shear behaviour of steel fibre reinforced flat slabs with practically relevant slab thicknesses. Further investigated influencing parameters were the steel fibre type and in particular the steel fibre content. This article provides an overview of the tests carried out and discusses the results obtained. Based on a comparison of the experimentally obtained failure loads with the calculated punching shear capacities according to the DAfStb-Guideline “Steel fibre reinforced concrete” of the German Committee for Structural Concrete (DAfStb) as well as according to fib Model Code 2010, an evaluation of the design approaches will be provided.

Staggering lapped joints increases the complexity of detailing and steel fixing, and may require additional resources and slow construction on site. Major design codes encourage staggering lapped joints in tension by imposing a penalty on lap length depending on the proportion of bars lapped at the same section. There are, however, inconsistencies in the value of the coefficients to be applied, and little evidence is available for validation. A programme of 17 physical tests found no evidence of an increase in strength when laps were staggered, and when allowance is made for increases in transverse spacing, staggering was found to reduce lap strength. Differences in the distribution of bond stress through a lap joint and in the share of the tension force taken by continuous and lapped bars are demonstrated to be responsible for the reduction.

Conceptual design is the approach that creates an idea in order to find a solution to a new proposal for a structure or solve a detail in a specific structure. It is a personal approach that is learned over time and with experience. It is not normally dealt with at university, but is vitally important for producing sound structures.
The fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010 introduced this concept in the first section of chapter 7 “Design”. The content of that section explains the general approach to developing conceptual design.
This paper will show different examples of conceptual design following the general guidelines stated in the Model Code.

In comparison with a vibrated concrete (VC) of the same strength class, self-compacting concrete (SCC) typically has a lower coarse aggregate content and, possibly, a smaller maximum aggregate size. This may result in reduced aggregate interlock between the fracture surfaces of a SCC. Since aggregate interlock plays an important role in the shear strength of slender beams, SCC beams may have a shear strength lower than that of similar VC beams, but studies on that subject are still limited.
This article summarizes an experimental programme that includes beams of high-strength SCC and transverse reinforcement ratios around the minimum given by different codes - a case that had not been investigated so far. The shear strengths of those SCC beams are compared with those of VC beams with similar concrete compressive strength and small ratios of transverse reinforcement and also compared with beams calculated according to different code procedures.

This article investigates the transferability of the Simplified Modified Compression Field Theory (SMCFT) [2], which is known in reinforced concrete design and included in the fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010 (Volume 3) [1], to reinforced or prestressed masonry beams (RM beams) with or without an additional layer of concrete. The investigation for this work is the obsolete shear design concept that has been used until now for reinforced masonry under shear loading, which does not adequately reflect the actual load-bearing behaviour of significant areas of masonry. The fundamentals of the SMCFT are explained and the transferability of the theory to RM beams is examined, taking into account in particular the different material properties of masonry compared to reinforced concrete. A first approach for future application is represented by the equations presented here for the determination of the shear force capacity of RM beams. The verification is performed through a comparison of the shear resistances determined experimentally (exp.) and by calculation (calc.).

The design shear resistance of an existing structure can be evaluated with analytical design procedures and numerical procedures provided by non-linear finite element analyses. The new fib Model Code 2010 proposes different calculation methods that fall into four different levels of approximation. As the level of approximation rises, so the complexity and the accuracy of the calculated shear resistance increases. Non-linear finite element analyses belong to the highest level of approximation, but although they are more and more becoming a customary tool in the daily design process, building codes do not provide guidance on how to perform these analyses.
This paper describes non-linear finite element analyses performed on prestressed beams, which underwent shear failure during experimental loading, in order to assess and criticize the finite element approaches. The aim of this work is to propose guidelines for numerical simulations in order to reduce model and user factors. The results obtained from the non-linear finite element analyses have been compared with the analytical results using different levels of approximation. The design shear resistance obtained with the highest level of approximation, level IV, derived from non-linear finite element analyses, turned out to be higher than the design shear resistance obtained with analytical procedures (levels I/II/III).

All researchers who have tested the shear capacity of RC members without stirrups have observed a large scatter in the results.
The objective of this paper is to conduct an overview study of the causes of the great shear failure scatter of RC beams without stirrups. Thirteen groups of shear tests on comparable experiments, extracted from the ACI-DAfStb evaluation database, are considered. The amount of data available is increased numerically. To this end, based on Eurocode 2 equations for shear resistance and shrinkage strain, a full probabilistic model is defined according to the JCSS Probabilistic Model Code. A multivariate statistical evaluation of outcomes is then performed.
The investigation highlights the fact that both the tensile strength of concrete and high shrinkage values may be usefully considered for more in-depth studies of the phenomenon, whereas geometrical properties and concrete compressive strength seem to be less important or can even be neglected.

The fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010 introduced the concept of levels of approximation (LoA) as a strategy for simplifying the procedures involved in preliminary design stages or the design of non-critical structural elements while still providing the tools for engineers to use state-of-the-art techniques in the assessment of existing structures or in the advanced stages of design for critical structural elements. In this paper, this concept is applied to the determination of the punching shear resistance of reinforced concrete slabs. A procedure is validated for the highest LoA involving non-linear finite element analysis (NLFEA) with multi-layered shell elements and the critical shear crack theory (CSCT). The safety format proposed for use in the safety verification assisted by NLFEA is based on the definition of a global resistance safety factor. A semi-probabilistic approach is followed, based on the assumption of a lognormal distribution for the resistance and on an estimate of its coefficient of variation. This approach is validated by means of a comparison with the results from a probabilistic analysis.
The LoA approach is initially applied to the study of statically determinate slabs supported on one column to verify the effectiveness of the procedure presented here compared with other validated methods available in the literature. The paper concludes with a case study illustrating the application of the proposed procedure to a bridge deck slab and highlighting the benefits of using a higher LoA.