Nonlinear Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Slabs Using Nonlayered Shell Element

Abstract

A nonlayered approach is proposed for the finite-element analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs to predict their strengths including the case of combined in-plane and transverse loading. The nonlayered form is derived from the layered Mindlin-type shell element, and the material matrix is derived from the assumed simple stress-strain curves of the materials. The proposed nonlayered approach is simpler than the layered approach. However, the numerical examples show that it is capable of estimating the deflection as well as the strength of RC slabs under both in-plane and out-of-plane loads with acceptable accuracy.