Numerical Analysis of a Reinforced Concrete Slab-Colum Connection Subjected to Lateral & Vertical Seismic Loading

Abstract

Reinforced concrete flat plates are widely used because of its functionality and aesthetic view. Flat plate structures show significant vulnerability under lateral and vertical seismic loading as shear failure may occur in the joints of slab and column. In this research, finite element analyses have been carried out to predict how much seismic loading a flat plate-column connection can endure. The vulnerability of the flat plate-column connection is checked through the analyses. The finite element analyses have been conducted with ABAQUS because of its wide material modeling capability and customization property. Elastoplastic CDP model has been used for the reinforced concrete material modelling. Based on the simulation results, it has been found that thickness of the slab, reinforcement ratio, usage of bent bars, high strength materials are the important factors in punching shear failure in the slab-column connection.