RC Flat Plate under Combined In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Loads

Abstract

A numerical study using nonlinear finite-element analysis is performed to investigate the behavior of reinforced-concrete flat plates subject to combined in-plane compressive and out-of-plane floor loads. For the nonlinear finite-element analysis, a computer program addressing material and geometric nonlinearities is developed. The flat plates to be studied are designed according to the direct design method. Through studies on the effects of different load combinations and loading sequence, the load condition that governs the strength of the flat plates is determined. And, for the flat plates under the governing load condition, parametric studies are performed to investigate the variations of the buckling coefficient and the effective flexural rigidity. As a result, this paper provides rational design rules for the moment magnifier method that is applicable to the flat plates.