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Column/Wall Model Types, Stiffness factors, Cracking & Creep

The finite element model is prepared using the model options located on the “Floor Mesh and Analysis” page as
described in the topics below. These should be set before clicking the “Floor Mesh and Analysis” button to gener
the mesh.

Column/Wall Model Types

In all analysis modelling options the following assumptions are used:

·   The rigid zones due to columns, beams and walls (short dimension) are not considered. Therefore, for column
only one node (in plan view), for walls a series of nodes along the wall insertion axis are created.

·   A series of frame members are created for modelling beam elements, between the nodes created for plate
elements along the edge of the beam. The rigid zones due to beam dimensions are ignored.

·   Thin shell members are utilised for modelling the slab panels. Shear deformations of these members are not
taken into account.

·   X and Y translational degrees of freedoms and rotations about z-axis are restrained at all nodes.

Three Column and Wall modelling options are provided in the ProtaStructure Finite Element Floor Analysis Mod
namely, fixed support model, elastic spring model and a short frame model.

z-Restrained (Pinned) Support Model:

The z-direction translational degree of freedom of the column nodes and wall nodes are restrained in this mode
type. Rotational degrees of freedom of these nodes are not restrained.

Rigid frame members (with equivalent rotational rigidity to that of the wall element) are placed between the wal
nodes.

All the other nodes can translate in z and rotate around x and y.

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z-Restrained (Pinned) Support Model

Elastic Spring Element Model

An elastic spring element is placed at the column and wall nodes. The stiffnesses of the springs are calculated so
that they will simulate the axial rigidity (k = EA / L) of the column and wall elements.

Rigid frame members (with equivalent rotational rigidity to that of the wall element) are placed between the wal
nodes.

All other nodes can translate in z and rotate around x and y.

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Elastic Spring Support Model

Short Frame Model

In this modelling option, the bending rigidity of the columns is considered by providing a frame member below
above (if exists) the column nodes. The sectional properties of the frame members are set equivalent to that of
actual members.

Top nodes of the upper columns are set so that all degrees of freedom are restrained except z-translation, while
degrees of freedom of the bottom nodes of the lower columns are restrained. The top nodes of the lower colum
(which is the bottom node of the upper column as well) can translate in z and rotate around x and y.

The springs, with stiffnesses equivalent to the axial rigidity of the walls are introduced at the nodes in the walls,
similar to the "elastic spring element model" option. Rigid frame members (with equivalent rotational rigidity to
that of the wall element) are placed between the wall nodes.

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Short Frame Model

Stiffness Factors
Beam, Slab, Column and Wall stiffness factors can be set automatically to make an allowance for cracking and
creep. An automated calculation is provided for this purpose: see Cracking & Creep.

Alternatively the stiffness factors can be defined individually if required for maximum flexibility.

Beam Stiffness Multiplier

Beam bending stiffnesses will be multiplied with the factor provided in this field. Occasionally, you may like to ha
beams to provide exaggerated restrain effect to the slabs and rib beams. In order to realise this effect, you can
increase the stiffness factor of the beams by entering values greater than “1” in this field.

Note that, this factor is not applied to the ribs or grillage beams.

Slab Stiffness Multiplier

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Slab bending stiffnesses will be multiplied with the factor provided in this field. Occasionally, you may like to
reduce slab stiffnesses to provide exaggerated restrain effect to the slabs and rib beams. In order to realise this
effect, you can decrease the stiffness factor of the slabs by entering values less than “1” in this field.

Column Stiffness Multiplier

Column stiffnesses will be multiplied with the factor provided in this field.

Wall Stiffness Multiplier

Wall stiffnesses will be multiplied with the factor provided in this field.

Include Column and Wall Sections in the Model

This setting controls the inclusion of column and wall outlines in the finite element analytical model.

A single node will be used for modeling the columns if this option is not checked. This option is very useful for
reducing the support moments at column and wall nodes by considering the section of the column.

If you check this option, rigid links are provided to create a rigid column outline to reduce stress concentrations
and spikes occurring around columns and walls.

Note that, this modeling option is created specifically for flat slab structures. Models may not be created
successfully for beam/slab systems.

Include Slab Plates in FE Model

This setting controls the inclusion of slabs as Finite Element Plate Bending elements.

If you check “Include Plates in FE Model”, slabs will be included in the Finite Element Floor Model. When slab are
included, calculated slab loads that are transferred to beams are ignored and beams are divided into segments
using the nodes created by the plate elements.

Consider Beam Torsional Stiffnesses

Beam Torsional Stiffnesses are calculated and used in the finite element model if this option is checked. Otherw
the torsional stiffness of all beams in the model will be ignored.

Include Upper Storey Column Loads

If this option is checked, the calculated column axial loads of the upper storey Finite Element Model are transfer
as point loads at the related column locations. Using this option, it is possible to make 3D-Short Frame analyses
and include the column and wall axial loads of the upper stories.

Note that, if this option is checked, the analyses should be carried in order from upper to lower floor levels.

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Upper Storey Column Loads Table

Column and wall loads that are calculated in the upper floor levels analysis can be viewed and edited using the
“Upper Storey Column Loads Table”.

Note that, the self weight of the columns and walls are added to the axial force results of the upper storey.

Use ‘Sparse Solver’ for FE Analysis

The purpose of the sparse solver is to reduce the time required for analysis. For certain model types a dramatic
reduction in the analysis time can be achieved, for other models it may be less significant.

Cracking & Creep

The "Cracking & Creep" button is used to calculate a stiffness factor which is then applied to the FE model. The
purpose of this factor is to make an allowance for creep, cracking and shrinkage when determining an estimate
total long term concrete slab deflection. 

Key points to note when considering total long term concrete slab deflection are:

1. The total deflection estimate is obtained by reviewing the G+Q*F combination.

2. The stiffness factors suggested also take account of the load factors –the deflections displayed are a
serviceability estimate.
(There is no requirement to make further adjustments to the deflections).

3. If you are using the stiffness factor adjustment as suggested then there is absolutely no value in looking a
the deflections for G or Q individually.  (These results are only left visible to accommodate engineers with
their own methods of estimating the deflection based on different adjustment factors.)

4. It needs to be understood that creep and cracking effects do not apply equally to dead and imposed loads
this is another reason why the individual G and Q deflection plots should be viewed with extreme caution
at all.

5. If the total deflection determined by this method is greater than span/250 then in general the slab may be
regarded as being too thin.

6. It is Prota’s view that considering deflection in this simple, well established and accepted fashion remains
most pragmatic approach in most situations. (Refer to concrete centre guide “How to design reinforced
concrete flat slabs using Finite Element Analysis” for further information.)

7. The possibility of adding reinforcement to control deflection is sometimes raised.  This requires a more
theoretical approach where once again creep cracking and shrinkage must all be considered.  Our researc
indicates that this approach cannot readily prove slab depths which have always been accepted without th
addition of reinforcement, are in fact acceptable.  You also have to add a lot of reinforcement to make a
small % difference to the deflection.  Therefore, it seems that indiscriminate use of such an approach may
lead to wasteful specification of additional reinforcement.

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To calculate the stiffness factor to apply:

1. Choose the “Load Type” (either Domestic/Office or Storage).

2. Enter the “Average/Typical Dead Load” on the current storey.

3. Enter the “Average/Typical Live Load” on the current storey.

A suggested range for the stiffness factor is calculated based on the above input. This range also depends
the code being designed to.

4. The “Stiffness Factor to Apply” is displayed at the bottom of the dialog. The default is the lowest value in th
suggested range.

5. Click the “OK” button to apply the stiffness factor.

On the Model Preparation page the Beam, Slab, Column and Wall stiffness factors will now be set to the
calculated value.

Related Articles:
Floor Mesh and Analysis - Generate Model

Post Analysis Processes and Reports

The Floor Analysis Post-Processor

Model Export

Last checked: 31/10/2017 (2018) SW

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