Inverse Analysis of R-UHPFRC Beams to Determine the Flexural Response under Service Loading and at Ultimate Resistance

Ultra high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites (UHPFRCs) have demonstrated their outstanding efficiency as structural materials. Determination of the bending resistance of members combining UHPFRC with steel reinforcement bars (R-UHPFRC) using material properties obtained by material testing gives satisfactory results. However, the synergetic interaction between rebar and UHPFRC in the tensile action due to bending, especially under loading–unloading of the structure is not yet well understood. This paper compared methods of analytical inverse analyses, as well as finite-element modeling and nondestructive testing (NDT), for determining UHPFRC material properties based on plates and R-UHPFRC members’ test results. It was demonstrated that UHPFRC in the tensile zone of R-UHPFRC members can enter into compression during unloading, influencing the structural response under service loading.