Numerical Comparison of HPFRC and HPC Ribbed Slabs

Abstract

The problem of limited resources is actual nowadays. One of the ways for solving this problem can be the use of high-performance fiber reinforced concrete as a structural material for elements subjected to the flexure. The dispersive reinforcement improves the properties of the concrete and allows reducing the required dimensions of cross-section and ratio of longitudinal reinforcement for members subjected to flexure. This research includes the numerical comparison of ultimate limit state and serviceability limit state of ribbed slabs from high-performance concrete (HPC) and high-performance fiber reinforced concrete (HPFRC) behavior, considering the different deformative properties of these materials. The effective use of these materials has been studied using a nonlinear finite element model. This model is created by using a beam type element with a multilayer cross-section, where each layer has a non-linear stress-strain relationship, according to the layer materials such as HPC, HPFRC, or steel bars. The finite element model used for the limited plates is validated. Results of experiment showed, that used calculation model describes with sufficient accuracy the behaviour of the ribbed slabs. The difference between design and experimentally determined breaking load is less than 6% for ribbed slab. The use of HPFRC for ribbed slabs with the spans from 6 to 12 m is justified so as using of HPFRC instead of HPC enables to increase 42-46% the intensity uniformly distributed load for the ribbed slabs with the same cross-sections and allowed deflections.