Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Slabs with Spherical Voids

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical analysis using ANSYS finite element program to simulate the reinforced concrete slabs with spherical voids when subjected to five point load. Six slabs with length 1.0m, width 1.0m, height (0.1m and 0.125m) and simply supported were modeled. Nonlinear materials behavior, as it relates to steel reinforcing bars and plain concrete, and linear behavior for steel plate is simulated using appropriate constitutive models. The results showed that the general behavior of the finite element models represented by the load-deflection curves at mid-span, ultimate load, load-maximum concrete compressive strain curve, and crack patterns show good agreement with the test data from the experimental test. The finite element models represented by this work can be used to carry out parametric study for the BubbleDeck slab specimens