Comparison of two-dimensional and three-dimensional analysis of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures

This paper presents the comparison of two-dimensional and three-dimensional analysis of the reinforced and prestressed concrete structures. The curved prestressing tendons and reinforcing bars, which are modelled by one-dimensional finite element, are embedded into adequate two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite elements. The influence of the prestressing tendons on the concrete is modelled by distributed normal and tangential forces along the tendons and two concentrated forces at the anchors. The computation of the post-tensioned prestressed structures is organized in three phases: before, during and after prestressing of the tendons. A few numerical examples are given to compare the results obtained by these two analyses.