Probabilistic Analysis of Precast Concrete Element

Abstract

Precast concrete pavement technology belongs to construction methods which provide rapid construction and minimal on site work in comparison with cast-in-place concrete pavement technology. Mainly, it is used for repairs and rehabilitation of existing pavements. Nowadays, it is being developed an innovative precast concrete pavement system whose advantages consist in rapid and easy construction and use of recycled material. The presented paper focuses on the probabilistic analysis of a selected precast concrete element developed for a surface course of the system. The analysis was conducted on a computational model of the selected element by using a stochastic method and nonlinear finite element method in order to observe the effect of uncertainties and variations in material properties, load and geometrical imperfection on the element behavior. Namely, it concerns geometrical imperfections, young's modulus of elasticity and reinforcement position. The probabilistic analyzes were evaluated with respect to element deflection, tensile stress in reinforcement, compressive stress in concrete and crack width. The obtained findings will serve for the optimization of the precast concrete element before the pavement test section is going to be constructed.