Structural Engineering Concrete Structures

A guide for finite

element analysis
of structures

Mario Plos

FEM Handbook Mario Plos

 Structural Engineering Concrete Structures

Background
Increased use of FE analysis in practice

New requirement to use 3D analysis in bridge design

Linear analysis to determine load effects
Typically slab type bridges modelled with shell elements

Need for recommendations

Project at KTH and Chalmers from Trafikverket

FEM Handbook Mario Plos

 Structural Engineering Concrete Structures

Content

1. Introduction

2. Design and analysis with FEM

Design vs. assessment, idealisation into structural model, safety

3. Finite element modelling

Element types, Material models, Modelling details, Supports, Loads

4. Linear FE analysis
Static and dynamic analysis

5. Non-linear FE analysis
Geometrical and physical non-linearity, solution methods and convergence,
Steel and Concrete structures

FEM Handbook Mario Plos

 Structural Engineering Concrete Structures

Content
6. Result interpretation and processing
Design based on FE analysis
Steel structures: Beam & shell models, shear deformations, effective flange
width, stability
Concrete structures: Beam & shell models, Stress concentrations and
distribution widths, restraints
Composite structures : Result interpretation, loading & phased construction
Assessment of existing structures based on FE analysis
Steel, Concrete and Composite structures, (safety aspects)

FEM Handbook Mario Plos

 Structural Engineering Concrete Structures

Content

7. Checking and verification of model and results

Verification of software
Verification of the modelling method (modelling strategy)
Check of the current FE model and analysis
Critical review and independent verification
Documentation of FE models

8. Examples

FEM Handbook Mario Plos

 Structural Engineering Concrete Structures

Modelling of column supported slabs

Slab supported in single points
Moment peaks at columns
Denser mesh needed

Problem:
Stresses =>
Solution:
(Singularities local)
Use results from critical
cross-sections
Dense enough mesh
Lateral re-distribution

FEM Handbook Mario Plos

 Structural Engineering Concrete Structures

b/2 + d

b/2
Critical cross-sections
d

FEM Handbook Mario Plos

 Structural Engineering Concrete Structures

FEM Handbook Mario Plos

 Structural Engineering Concrete Structures

FEM Handbook Mario Plos

 Structural Engineering Concrete Structures

Stress concentrations due to that the

material is modelled as linear elastic
A B C D E F
1.5
6

2.0
5

Case study analysis: 4

3
2.0

2.0

2.0
2

1.5
1

7.25 1.5 3.25 4.0 4.0

FEM Handbook Mario Plos

 Structural Engineering Concrete Structures

Stress concentrations due to that the

material is modelled as linear elastic

Case study analysis:

Limitations on distribution widths dont have any much
influence
Distribution widths can be chosen according to handbooks for
flat slabs: Column + middle strips
Reinforcement distribution more important in SLS than ULS

FEM Handbook Mario Plos