Development of modelling strategies for two-way RC slabs

Abstract

a b s t r a c tAnalyses of tested two-way reinforced concrete (RC) slabs were carried out with varying modelling choices to develop better modelling strategies. The aim was to study how accurately the response of a slab subjected to bending could be predicted with nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis using three-dimensional (3D) continuum elements, and how the modelling choices might influence the analysis results. The load-carrying capacity, load-deflection response, crack pattern and reaction-force distribution of the two-way slab studied were compared to experimental data available. The influence of several modelling parameters was investigated, including geometric nonlinearity, element properties, concrete model, reinforcement model and boundary condition. The results show the possibility of accurately reflecting the experimental results concerning load-carrying capacity, load-deflection response and crack pattern giving proper modelling choices. Moreover, the reaction force distribution was found to be highly influenced by the stiffness of the supports.

Internal force distribution in RC slabs subjected to punching shear

“…h b = mean crack distance. That means the cracking will be distributed over several elements instead of localized in one, which has been verified in Shu et al [20]. Values of mean crack distance h b were calculated according to Eurocode 2 [2].…”

“…(3) are determined by fitting of the uniaxial tensile and compressive strength, the biaxial compressive strength, and experimental data of triaxial tests on concrete specimens.It should be noted that the crack models for concrete are different in shell and continuum FEA. Both models were previously developed and calibrated independently [13][14][15][20][21][22]. However, the different crack models show promising and similar results [13] regarding the structural behaviour of interest in this study, at both levels of analysis.3.4.…”

“…According to the previous study [22], the mesh size has been proven to have minor impact to the analyses results when the presented modelling method is used. A sensitivity analysis about this model regarding numerical and constitutive model was conducted and described in Shu et al [20,21].…”

“…According to Shu et al [20][21][22], NLFEA using continuum finite elements (sometimes also referred to as solid finite elements) [16] is capable of not only predicting load carrying capacity, but also reflecting the structural behaviour of RC slabs, both in bending and shear aspects. The difference between FE analyses at different levels has been discussed in a ''Multi-level Assessment Strategy for RC slabs" by Plos et al [16].…”

FE Modeling of Circular, Elliptic, and Triangular Isolated Slabs With a Continuous Damage Model

“…Juárez-Luna and Caballero-Garatachea (2014) provides flexural design moments and cracking paths in circular, triangular and elliptic slabs, but they also used the smeared crack model for modeling cracking in concrete in the academic version of the software ANSYS (2010). Shu et al (2015) studied the response of slabs subjected to bending with non-linear finite element analysis in the software DIANA, modeling the concrete with 3D elements and the steel reinforcement with bar elements. Juárez-Luna et al (2015) investigates the cracking process of reinforced concrete slabs subject to vertical load.…”