Modeling mats with solids
Modeling mats with solids
(OP)
I have a reinforced concrete mat that is 3 feet thick. I have typically used plate elements to model this in the past. But some engineers think that when a mat gets to 3-5 feet in thickness; it is better to use solid elements.
I'm not so sure. It's been my experience that they [i.e. 8 noded solid elements] tend to overestimate stiffness (through the shear locking phenomenon) and thus would attempt to transfer more load through shear rather than through bending. Thus, the results would be highly questionable (i.e. the stresses). What are your thoughts on this?
I'm not so sure. It's been my experience that they [i.e. 8 noded solid elements] tend to overestimate stiffness (through the shear locking phenomenon) and thus would attempt to transfer more load through shear rather than through bending. Thus, the results would be highly questionable (i.e. the stresses). What are your thoughts on this?





RE: Modeling mats with solids
RE: Modeling mats with solids
But really I'm curios as to people's thoughts on this in general. I've heard the argument [before] about using solids to represent thick mats. I've just never bought it before because of the lousy results I've gotten with using solids.
RE: Modeling mats with solids
RE: Modeling mats with solids
RE: Modeling mats with solids
It really depends on how good your specific model is and whether you have enough elements through the thickness (as well as over the area) to pick up the actual situation....
Basically a poor model will give poor results and a good model will give good results....Since you will have both bending and shear present in the slab portions and at the cassions you will require several elements through the thickness to represent the actual situation...
In general solids will give good results if used properly.
Ed.R.
RE: Modeling mats with solids