ABSTRACT

Concrete is used widely in all types of construction. In particular, it is the first choice material for the construction of various industries, due to its affordability, durability, heat resistance, strength, etc. Based on this, understanding the response of concrete structural components for all types of loading is crucial to the development of an overall safe and efficient structure. Various methods have been used to study the response of concrete structural components to various loading regimes. Experimental based testing has been widely used as a means to analyse individual components; this method is, however, extremely time consuming and can be quite costly. Presently, the use of finite element analysis has increased due to increasing knowledge and capabilities of computer software and hardware. It has now become the best method to analyse concrete structural components. In this study, a locally available precast concrete slab, termed the Trasaaco Fast Floor System, that is both reinforced and pre-stressed is analysed for its nonlinear behaviour under external imposed vertical loading conditions using the finite element (FE) method. The FE commercial software ANSYS 13.0, is used for the analysis. Load-deflection responses and the crack patterns at critical stages of loading are studied. The results from the ANSYS programme are compared with technical data obtained from the Trasacco Group. The comparison shows the ANSYS programme to satisfactorily predict the behavioural responses of the fast floor slab system up to failure. In addition, the results obtained confirm the fact that Trasaaco Fast Floor System can be potentially used to support the required loading regime for heavy industrial structures, like nuclear power plant facilities.