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Abstract

This paper investigates the results of finite element analysis for three proposed full-scale two-way slabs. The aim of this study is to use finite element method (FEM) by using ANSYS-v15 program to analyze the proposed slabs and study the flexural behavior , especially load-deflection relationship and ultimate strength. Some parametric studies on these works are also done to cover the effect of some important parameters on the ultimate load capacity and deflection. Proposed slabs are divided into three groups with different dimensions to study the effect of using continuous large spans on the structural behavior of two-way ribbed (waffle) slabs as compared to solid slabs. In all three groups, each slab consists of three by three panels supported by concrete columns at corners. For the first group, when the void ratio (the ratio of volume of voids between ribs to total volume of ribbed slab) increases, the stiffness of waffle slab also increases. Increasing stiffness for waffle slab is continued up to some limit, and then will decrease with increasing void ratio. The best case in this example occurs when the void ratio equal to (0.667) which gives increase in stiffness of (0.347) as compared to solid slab with the same thickness. The results of ANSYS analysis shows that the best percentage of increase in deflection is (51%) with decreasing in concrete volume of (59%) for long to short span ratio of (1.5) and (300)mm thickness. For the third group of proposed models, the stiffness of two-way ribbed (waffle) slab is higher than the solid slab which has the same volume of concrete. The displacement of two-way ribbed (waffle) slab in the elastic range (at first crack ) is lower than the solid slab. In this manner, it will give the maximum reduction in concrete weight with higher thickness.
 

 

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