Experimentally validated finite element models of two reinforced concrete beams subjected to surface-to-surface contact conditions

The prediction of vibration transmission in collapsed and fragmented reinforced-concrete buildings has the potential to inform decisions about the possibility to detect human survivors trapped in buildings after earthquakes by using structure-borne sound propagation. This paper focuses on the development and experimental validation of finite element models for two reinforced concrete beams subjected to different contact conditions. Finite element models of two free-free supported reinforced concrete beams were developed in Abaqus and validated against the results of experimental modal analysis, in terms of eigenfrequencies and modeshapes. Predictions are shown for surface-to-surface and edge-to-surface contact conditions between two beams and compared with experimental results.