Slab definition in SAP2000

[Saeed Bhd]

Hello
I have a question about slab definition, i chosed shell-thin type and there is two thickness ( Membrane and bending). In other types is same situation.
Why we should define membrane thickness for a slab with shell behavior?!

 

[HTURKAK]

i chosed shell-thin type and there is two thickness ( Membrane and bending). In other types is same situation.
Why we should define membrane thickness for a slab with shell behavior?!

Is this question for the necessity to define thickness for the thin shell ?
You are the designer . Here is my short respond;
- If the shear deformations negligible , define thin shell,
- If the shear deformations become significant, define thick shell,
- When you want the shell to model as bending element , set membrane thick. to zero ,
- When you want the shell to model as membrane element , set bending thick. to zero ..
If you choose thin shell , and set the membrane and bending thick. equal to the plate thickness, literally your model will be shell element , shear deformations negligible , and plate is membrane and and also bending element.

Hope my respond answers your question.

P.S. I will suggest you to look the books The Finite Element Analysis of Shells – Fundamentals ( by Klaus-Juergen Bathe ),
NONLINEAR ANALYSIS OF SHELLS BY FINITE ELEMENTS (by RAMMERSTORFER )

 

[Saeed Bhd]

Thank you very much for your helpful response.