FEM-Based Numerical Strategy for Analysis of Composite Modular Floor Prototype for Emergency Housing Applications

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical modeling strategy based on the finite-element method (FEM) for the analysis of a temporary residential floor prototype composed of three jointed composite floor sandwich panels made of glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) skins, a polyurethane foam core (PU), and pultruded U-shaped GFRP profiles used as ribs. Panels are supported on a GFRP pultruded frame structure. A three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear finite-element approach was adopted considering geometric and material nonlinearities and adherent surfaces interaction. The numerical simulations were coherently validated with experimental results, showing their ability to capture the mechanical performance of a single panel (which includes the possibility of local instability on the GFRP skin), two and three panels working together, and the whole prototype. A series of parametric studies was conducted using the adopted numerical model in order to assess (1) the influence of the ribs on the panel stiffness and on the shear stresses distribution through the sandwich panel’s components, (2) the flexibility of the designed connections between jointed panels and frame structure, and (3) the influence of geometry in the modular housing.