2-way slab design

[BAGW]

Hi,

A 2-way supported slab/flat slab can be designed per ACI code specified methods. Instead of using code specified methods, can FEM analysis be used as an alternate option for the design if all the minimum code requirements are followed.

Thanks

 

[HTURKAK]

Pls look clause ; 6.9—Acceptability of finite element analysis

6.9.1 finite element analysis to determine the load effects shall be permitted.
6.9.2 The finite element model shall be appropriate for its intended purpose.

And R6.9—Acceptability of finite element analysis
.....The element types used should be capable of determining the response required. Finite element models may have
beam-column elements that model structural framing members, such as beams and columns, along with plane
stress elements; plate elements; and shell elements, brick elements or both that are used to model the floor slabs ,
mat foundations, diaphragms, walls, and connections..

--

He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock..

Luke 6:48

 

[WARose]

Just about every 2-way slab I've ever done has been by a FEA model. So yes, it can be done.

 

[KootK]

Instead of using code specified methods, can FEM analysis be used as an alternate option for the design if all the minimum code requirements are followed.

Yes, with the recognition that all the FEM software is doing for you on the ULS front is expediting the calculation of the internal forces within the slab. Once that's done, the multitude of code checks still need to be checked somehow. Flexure, one way shear, punching shear, bar cutoff points, maximum redistribution, general rebar detailing... Even when the FEM software does this for you, it is post processing that is done outside of the FEM analysis engine that is done just as we used to do it by hand.

What I recommend to the uninitiated is to grab a document like the one shown below, go through it, and make sure that you know how everything in there is being dealt with by way of either the FEM program's post processing or your own post processing performed outside of the FEM program. Because all of that stuff still needs checking somehow.