slab-wall deformation compatibility (Etabs)

[nachotop]

I have a problem with the slabs automeshing property. When I do it over a beam, the beam is automatically connected to the slab, equivalent nodal loads are applied to it and deformation compatibility is achieved. But if I do that with a slab over walls (i.e. a slab beared over four walls) this conectiond does not occur if I use the automesh option. The only way to link the slab to the wall is by doing the manual meshing wich is apropiate for academic models, but not for real buildings because it is time consuming. Is there any way to fix that deformation compatibility problem?

 

[amadeus]

Hi nachotop:

In ETABS version 8 the only thing you have to do is select all area elements and go to assign -> shell/area ->area object mesh options. On the window that appears select the proper auto meshing you wish. Normally, I select the automesh object into structural elements with the further subdivide automesh maximum size of 1mt.
To force proper deformation compatibility then do asign -> shell/area -> auto line constraints and on the window that appears select create line constraints around walls, ramps and floors and check the "Apply to full structure" selection.
The previous procedure will eliminate the need of "dummy" beams suggestes by plopez for correct transfer of loads from slabs to walls.
Mr. Habibullah once said in one of his seminars ...with V8 the dummies are dead!

 

[plopez]

Hi Amadeus:

You are absolutely right!

I didn't noticed that way.........sorry

plopez

 

[nachotop]

I'll try that way, thanks y'all. I still have a problem whether mesh the wall or do not do it. but I think i'll mesh both of them. And about what you said amadeus, i'll use it for sure.

saludos don pato.