Analysing a Composite Ultra slim floor beam 1

[OJM]

Hi all,

I am relatively new to abaqus, but I understand most of the basic concepts. I'm trying to analyse a slim floor composite beam under cyclic loading. I.e a perforated beam with circular openings in the web, this is filled with concrete and reinforced with rebar lengths.

I've used embedded constraints for the steel beam and rebar within the concrete slab is this correct to do so? (I know that's what you do with reinforced concrete).

Also, how would I go about meshing this composite beam? Would I mesh the individual parts? and how would I mesh such a complicated steel beam?

Find file attached.

Many Thanks

 

[FEA way]

You are correct, you should mesh all these individual parts (it won't be hard when they are separated) and then apply embedded region constraint so that embedded elements are created automatically.

 

[OJM]

Thank you!

When I went to mesh the beam there was an error (after already creating the embedded constraints)however the slab and rebar was meshed without problems. Do I need to create partitions etc? Is there anywhere you'd recommend me to go to find how to mesh such a complicated geometry beam?

 

[FEA way]

You can never have too much partitions. If done correctly, they always help with meshing. You can turn this beam into shell, it will be much easier to mesh it. Of course it's still possible with continuum elements but they will have to be small enough. Remember that you need at least 3 elements through the thickness. Finer mesh should be applied around the holes too.