Bionic reinforcement in building construction

Abstract

It is well known that in the interaction between reinforcement and concrete a division of tasks takes place. Material properties as well as its price allow concrete transferring compressive forces economically. However the tenisile capability of it is quite low, therfore reinforcement is needed. The reinforcement is mainly being used to transfer these tensile forces. In addition it can also bear compressive forces, but due to higher costs it won't be actively designed therefore. Is this interaction perfect? The current way of reinforcing is affected by some more factors apart from those named above. An important role in terms of feasibility is the way of bringing reinforcement into the beam. This led to the separation of moment and shear stresses as well as isolation of these problems for design. In this thesis the current state of the art reinforcement will be rethought and suggestions for improving this will be made. How can this interaction be improved? The interaction can be improved by reducing stresses in particular areas. The goal is to meet a design where the internal stress and strain is reduced to a minimum, while keeping the efforts in a bearable range. Therefore first of all the bionics and fracture mechanics are observed. The knowledge drawn from them then can be implented into a different kind of reinforcement and beam. What is the purpose of this thesis? The thesis will show first of all, what bionics suggest to shape a beam. Then based on analysis of finite element models the beam will be reviewed and suggestions for reinforcement will be made.