Stochastic finite element based reliability analysis of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) corbels

In this study, reliability analyses of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) corbels based on stochastic finite element were performed for the first time in literature. Prior to stochastic finite element analysis, an experimental database of 84 sfrc corbels was gathered from literature. These sfrc corbels were modeled by a special finite element program. Results of experimental studies and finite element analysis were compared and found to be very close to each other. Furthermore experimental crack patterns of corbel were compared with finite element crack patterns and were observed to be quite similar. After verification of the finite element models, stochastic finite element analyses were implemented by a specialized finite element module. As a result of stochastic finite element analysis, appropriate probability distribution functions (PDF\'s) were proposed. Finally, coefficient of variation, bias and strength reduction (resistance) factors were proposed for sfrc corbels as a consequence of stochastic based reliability analysis.