Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Flat Plates - A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

For many years, researchers have been working toward the successful application of finite element technology to the design of reinforced concrete flat plate systems due to practical restrictions inherent in simplified or approximate design techniques. Flat plates are slabs of uniform thickness which are directly supported on columns without use of beams. Flat plates are to be designed for the positive and negative bending moments in the column strip and middle strips. The slab is to be designed with adequate safety margin against punching shear. Flat plates can be designed as waffle slabs by removing concrete in the tension zone and placing the steel reinforcement in the form of groups of bars at intervals equal to the grid size. This arrangement leads to saving of material and reduction in self-weight. Flat plates provide satisfactory floors for panels with adequate headroom due to absence of beams, column capitals or drop. However, in the case of exterior panels, edge beams will be necessary.