UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF

PUNCHING SHEAR RESISTANCE OF
SELF-COMPACTING FIBER
REINFORCED CONCRETE (SCFRC)
RIBBED SLAB

EZATUL YASMIN BINTI BAHARUDIN

MSc

January 2017

i
i
 UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF

PUNCHING SHEAR RESISTANCE OF
SELF-COMPACTING FIBER
REINFORCED CONCRETE (SCFRC)
RIBBED SLAB

EZATUL YASMIN BINTI BAHARUDIN

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the degree of
Master of Science

Faculty of Civil Engineering

January 2017

i
CONFIRMATION BY PANEL OF EXAMINERS

ii
 DECLARATION

I declare that the work in this dissertation was carried out in accordance with the

regulations of Universiti Teknologi MARA. It is original and is the results of my own

work, unless otherwise indicated or acknowledged as referenced work. This topic has

not been submitted to any other academic institution or non-academic institution for

any degree or qualification.

In the event that my dissertation be found to violate the conditions mentioned, I

voluntarily waive the right of conferment of my degree and agree be subjected to the

disciplinary rules and regulations of Universiti Teknologi MARA.

Name of Candidate : Ezatul Yasmin binti Baharudin

Candidate I.D No. : 2014359555

Programme : Master of Science (Structural Engineering)

Faculty : Civil Engineering

Thesis Title : Finite Element Analysis of Punching Shear

Resistance of Self- Compacting Fiber Reinforced

Concrete (SCFRC) Ribbed Slab

Signature of Candidate : ..

Date : January 2017

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 ABSTRACT

This paper presents the numerical modeling of the punching behavior of vertically

loaded Self-Compacting Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SCFRC) ribbed slab. Firstly, a

SCFRC flat slab model is verified with a theoretical explanation, and then the model

is developed and modified into SCFRC ribbed slab. Concrete Damage Plasticity

(CDP) constitutive law using stress-strain method is used to predict the concrete

behavior and Elastic-perfectly Plastic is assigned for the steel reinforcement. In

addition, the study presents the overall procedure in Abaqus in detail to simulate the

non-linear formula of SCFRC slab. The load-displacement curve of SCFRC flat slab

obtained from Abaqus had a good agreement with the one produced by laboratory

testing, published by previous authors. The numerical simulations have shown similar

behavior of punching shear crack in both slabs modeled as per theory explained.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd

Hisbany bin Mohd Hashim, for the given knowledge and advice, unlimited help and

support, guidance, idea and most importantly supervision towards me.

I also would like to thank Dr. Hazrina Mansor who has been very helpful in Abaqus,

and to Pn. Nurul Ain Hanida bt Mohamad Fodzi and Pn. Hazrina bt Ahmad PhD

(Doctor of Philosophy) students, Ms Fadhillah bt Abdul Rahman a Master Degree

by Research student, and my colleague Ili Farhana bt Azmi that I am deeply indebted

to, for the help and guidance in completing my dissertation report.

Not forgetting, my deepest appreciation is for all people that contribute directly or

indirectly with me during my research period families, superiors, seniors, mentors

and fellow friends from UiTM. Without the helps and assistance, the experience and

success will never be as what it is now.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

Page
CONFIRMATION BY PANEL OF EXAMINERS ii
AUTHORS DECLARATIOON iii
ABSTRACT iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi
LIST OF TABLES viii
LIST OF FIGURES ix
LIST OF SYMBOLS xi
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xiii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0 Preamble 1
1.1. Problem Statement 4
1.2. Objective(s) 5
1.3. Scope of Work & Limitation of Study 5

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Self-Compacting Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SCFRC) 6
2.1. Properties of SCFRC 9
2.2. Punching Shear Failure 11
2.2.1. Punching Shear of Ribbed Slab 12
2.2.2. Punching Shear of Flat Slab 13
2.3. Numerical Analysis of The Punching Shear Failure of
Reinforced Concrete Slabs 16
2.4. Material Constitutive Law 19
2.4.1. Constitutive Law of Reinforced Concrete 20
2.4.2. Parameters for The Constitutive SCFRC Models 24
2.5. Gap of Research 26

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CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Finite Element Model for Punching 29
3.1. Model Verification 31
3.1.1. Material Model, Functions, and Parameters 34
3.1.2. Types of Elements 37
3.1.3. Support and Load 40
3.1.4. Mesh Generation and Discretization of SCFRC Flat
Slab 41
3.2. Model of Ribbed Slab 42

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS & DISCUSSION

4.1. Finite Element Analysis Result 44
4.1.1. Load-displacement Curve 44
4.1.2. Shear Crack Pattern 46
4.1.3. Stress Distribution 49
4.2. Discussion 51
4.2.1. International System of Units 52
4.2.2. Meshing Size 53
4.2.3. Arc-Length Incrementation of Modified Riks 53

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION 54

REFERENCES 55
APPENDICES 57

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 LIST OF TABLES

Tables Tittle Page

Table 2.1 Workability properties test methods for SCC (EFNARC, 7
2002)
Table 2.2 Acceptance criteria for SCC (EFNARC, 2002) 10
Table 2.3 New approach for - diagram (Teixeira et al., 2014) 24
Table 2.4 Gap of Research 28
Table 3.1 Geometrical and material parameters of the experiment 33
(Teixeira et al., 2014)
Table 3.2 Simulation parameters for concrete 33
Table 3.3(a) Compressive inelastic strain 36
Table 3.3(b) Tensile inelastic strain 37
Table 5.1 Consistent units of Abaqus 52

viii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figures Tittle Page

Figure 1.1 Section of wide beam ribbed slab (Lau and Clark, 2007) 2
Figure 1.2 Formation of inclined shear crack (Lau and Clark, 2007) 3
Figure 2.1 Steel fibers (Khaloo et al., 2013) 8
Figure 2.2 Test setup of beam (Khaloo et al., 2013) 9
Figure 2.3 General arrangement of slab specimens 12
Figure 2.4 Details of test setup (Minh, Rovnak, and Quoc, 2012) 14
Figure 2.5 Typical crack patters at the bottom face of slab with 15
different volume of steel fibers (Minh, Rovnak, and
Quoc, 2012)
Figure 2.6 Elastic perfectly plastic curve for steel reinforcement (Sumer 17
and Aktas, 2015)
Figure 2.7 Model discretization of test setup (Ragab, 2013) 18
Figure 2.8 Crack pattern of the simulation of punching shear failure 19
(Winkler and Stangenberg, 2008)
Figure 2.9 Elastic-plastic damage law (Sumer and Aktas, 2015) 20
Figure 2.10 (a) Behavior of concrete under axial compressive strength 21
(Sumer and Aktas, 2015)
Figure 2.10 (b) Behavior of concrete under axial tension strength (Sumer 21
and Aktas, 2015)
Figure 2.11 Numerical analysis result for Test Case 1 (Sumer and 22
Aktas, 2015)
Figure 2.12 (a) Crack patterns development (left to right) for three-point 23
bending single-edge notched beam with CDP numerical
model (Jankowiak and Lodygowski, 2005)
Figure 2.12 (b) Development of fracture path (left to right) observed in 23
experiment (Jankowiak and Lodygowski, 2005)
Figure 2.13 (a) Stress-strain diagram for SFRC (RILEM TC 162-TDF) 25
Figure 2.13 (b) Size factor (RILEM TC 162-TDF) 25
Figure 3.1 Procedures in Abaqus 30

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Figure 3.2(a) General dimension of the prototype flat slab (Teixeira et
al.,2014) 31
Figure 3.2(b) Flexural reinforcement of the SCFRC flat slab (Teixeira et
al.,2014) 32
Figure 3.3 Material Assignation 34
Figure 3.4(a) Stress-strain curve of Sample A in compression 35
Figure 3.4(b) Stress-strain curve of Sample A in tension 35
Figure 3.5 C3D20R element 38
Figure 3.6 T3D3 Truss Element of Steel Reinforcement 39
Figure 3.7 Assemblage of Steel Reinforcement inside a Flat Slab 39
Figure 3.8 Load and Boundary Condition Assignation 40
Figure 3.9 Structured Meshing of Flat Slab at 100 mm 42
Figure 3.10(a) Dimension of Ribbed Slab 43
Figure 3.10(b) Features of Ribbed Slab 43
Figure 4.1 Load-displacement curve of Sample A 45
Figure 4.2(a) The truncated zone around loaded area found in numerical 47
finding (top) and theory (bottom)

Figure 4.2(b) Comparison of the punching shear crack between numerical 47

finding (left) and theory (right)
Figure 4.3(a) Evolution of punching shear crack occurrence at the bottom 48
face of flat slab
Figure 4.3(b) Punching shear crack occurrence at the bottom face of ribbed 49
slab
Figure 4.4 Stress distribution within the SCFRC flat slab (left) and ribbed 50
slab (right)
Figure 4.5 Stress distribution within the steel reinforcement in flat 51
slab (left) and ribbed slab (right)

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 LIST OF SYMBOLS

Symbols
Concrete strain
Compressive inelastic strain of concrete
Concretes compressive plastic strain.
Tensile inelastic strain of concrete
Concretes tension plastic strain.
Ultimate strain at ultimate stress of steel
Concrete maximum design shear stress
Maximum design shear stress
As Area of steel reinforcement
bv Rib width
C Tension descending curve coefficient
d Effective depth
dc Damage variable compression
dt Damage variable in tension
E Eccentricity of the plastic potential surface
E Initial tangent modulus
Ec Modulus of Elasticity of concrete
Es Modulus of Elasticity of steel
0 strain at maximum stress
fcm Mean value of compressive strength (MPa)
fy Yield stress of steel
fu Ultimate stress of steel
Gf Fracture Energy
GFo Base value of fracture energy
m Partial safety factor for strength of materials
hf Thickness of topping slab

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Kc Ratio of the second stress invariant of the tensile meridian to
compressive meridian at initial yield
Kh Size factor
P Point / Concentrated Load
uo Effective length of the perimeter which touches a loaded area
V Failure Load
c Poissons ratio of concrete
s Poissons ratio of steel
Deflection
c Density of concrete
s Density of steel
b0/c0 Ratio of biaxial compressive yield stress
c Concrete stress
Dilation angle

xii
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviations
SCFRC Self- Compacting Fiber Reinforced Concrete
SCC Self-compacting Concrete
RC Reinforced Concrete
CDP Concrete Damage Plasticity
FE Finite Element

xiii
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.0 PREAMBLE

Slab is one of a structure elements; a flexural member of uniform depth

providing support for a floor loads. There are various types of slab, such as solid slab,

flat slab and ribbed slab. The choice of type of slab is depending on the particular

floor function and many other factors. As a practice engineer, one should make a wise

decision by considering current construction economy, sound designs, and to meet

clients demands before selecting the most suitable type of slab.

One type of slab that has attracted current attention is ribbed slab. It is a type of slab

that is supported by wide beams which designed to provide shear resistance, similar to

the design of solid slab. These beams are usually wider than the supporting columns

and spans in two directions (Lau and Clark, 2011). The system has been widely

adopted into the construction industry especially for offices and parking buildings as

it could provide many advantages such as reduction of floor height and concrete

usage, thus contributing to a lower structural self-weight and smaller size and capacity

of foundation. Indirectly, all the associated material cost can be reduced and shorter

construction period can be achieved.

Shabbar et al. (2010) stated that a ribbed slab provides considerable extra strength in

one direction, hence a longer span limit in comparison to the solid slab. With longer

span and moderate live loads of less than or equal to 3 kN/m2, ribbed slab seems to be

1
the best choice as it can be constructed using removable forms, hollow block, or void

formers.

Figure 1.1 shows the plan and section of a wide beam ribbed slab comprising major

wide beams spanning in two orthogonal directions, and ribs spanning in one direction.

A study by Lau and Clark (2007) mentioned that wide beam ribbed slab have become

increasingly popular in recent years, owing to their economic benefits over the RC flat

slab that have been widely used for about 100 years.

Figure 1.1: Section of wide beam ribbed slab (Lau and Clark, 2007)

Its design is mostly governed by both serviceability and ultimate limit states under

punching shear (Barros et al., 2013). Punching shear failure is a type of local shear

failure which developed at the column under a concentrated load. This type of failure

causing normal separation of a portion of concrete surrounded by inclined shear

cracks from the slab, as the rest of the slab remains rigid.

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The formation of inclined shear crack under the concentrated loads, P on the left and

right side of the slab is shown in Figure 1.2 which develops the punching shear failure

at the portion around the column. In order to counter the punching failure, the slab

shall be able to provide punching resistance; the total of shear strength on the shear

failure surface.

Figure 1.2: Formation of inclined shear crack (Lau and Clark, 2007)

Nowadays, a new innovated self-compacting fiber reinforced concrete (SCFRC) with

promised improved performance could contribute in increasing the flexural strength

and shear capacity, thus, enhancing the punching shear resistance of ribbed slab

beam-column connection. SCFRC is a composite material of self-compacting

concrete (SCC) reinforced with steel fiber. The material can be implemented at a

construction area where vibration is a sensitive effect such as laboratories and

hospitals.

3
1.1. Problem Statement

In a research focusing on shear behavior between wide beam ribbed slab and

column connection, the authors, Lau and Clark (2007) have mentioned that the shear

capacity of wide beam is relatively decreasing when it reaches the ribbed section.

However, this conclusion was made based on micro-concrete models of wide beam

ribbed slab.

On the other hand, a study by Winkler and Stangenberg (2008) stated the provisions

for the design and construction of reinforced concrete slabs against punching shear

failure in European codes of practice are based on semi-empirical. By means of semi-

empirical, it is generally derived from small-scale tests.

Since a validation of punching shear failure loads using a down-scaled specimen is

disregarding the size effect, a large-scale testing might be required. However, a large-

scale testing of ribbed slab comes with a tremendous test fields and very high test

loads, including the extensive costs to be incurred. Concerning this matter, a

numerical simulation becomes indispensable, regardless the number of samples and

size of the models, no matter how large it is.

Despite having unlimited variables compared to the large-scale testing, numerical

solution is in need of verification to prove that the software is reliable and able to

produce acceptable results. With the verification made, it will indirectly confirm the

validity of parameters defined in the simulation. Thus, the observations and

evaluations made based on the simulations outcome are sufficient to be compared

with the theory of punching shear behaviors and discussed further.

4
1.2. Objective(s)

To achieve the goal of the study, numerical simulations of a ribbed slab is to be built

using finite element based software-Abaqus. There are three (3) objectives outlined

for this study which are:

i. To model a numerical simulation of SCFRC flat slab and ribbed slab

subjected to a vertical using Abaqus.

ii. To observe the crack pattern of punching shear caused by the vertical load.

iii. To evaluate the stress distributions within the truncated zone of punching

shear and compares with ribbed slab.

1.3. Scope of Work and Limitation of Study

This paper will be focusing on the punching shear of SCFRC flat/ribbed slab.

In addition, this study will be using numerical simulations approach to observe the

stress distribution and occurrence of crack patterns. This study however, will not

execute any laboratory experiments due to large scale of specimens, limited personnel

in charge, including the time and budget constraints. Therefore, finite element based

software which is Abaqus is selected to run the numerical simulations due to its

performance to solve non-linearity of one material.

Firstly, a model of flat slab will be made based on published journal for verification

purpose. All the geometry arrangement and parameters used will be extracted directly

from the journal in order to obtain very similar results. Upon verification in term of

the punching shear behavior, the model will be modified into ribbed slab with the

parameters remains since both models are using SCFRC material.

5
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 SELF-COMPACTING FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE (SCFRC)

The mentioned term is a composition made up by two materials which are

self-compacting concrete (SCC) and steel fiber reinforced concrete (FRC). The SCC

is developed from its conventional state of normal RC in order to improve in

durability and quality.

SCC was first developed in 1988 in Japan, purposely to achieve durable concrete

structures (Okamura, Hajime, Ouchi, & Masahiro, 2003). For the normal RC to

achieve its targeted durability and quality, the concrete must go through an adequate

compaction process by skilled workers. Due to decreasing number of skilled workers

from time to time, this is where the turning point occurred in Japan and SCC came

into place.

The researchers concluded that SCC, which also called as Self-Compacting High

Performance Concrete during that time, has significance advantages. At the fresh

stage, the concrete is self-compactable. In other words, the concrete can be compacted

into every corner of a formwork even though without vibrating compaction and only

by its own weight. Hence, with the ability of self-compactable, it helps in avoidance

of concrete initial defects at its early age.

6
There are three key characteristic owned by SCC as per highlighted by Wstholz

(2003). Firstly, SCC has the ability to flow by its own weight and thus, able to fill in a

formwork at every corner. Secondly, it has the ability to pass obstacles e.g.

reinforcement and small opening without hindrance. Lastly, SCC has its own

segregation resistance due to the homogenous composition of concrete that remains

during the process of transport and placing. Table 2.1 lists the methods available to

determine the workability properties of SCC in order to compliments the three

characteristics.

Table 2.1: Workability properties test methods for SCC (EFNARC, 2002)

No. Method Property

1. Slump-flow by Abrams cone Filling ability

2. T50cm slump flow Filling ability

3. V-funnel Filling ability

4. Orimet Filling ability

5. J-ring Passing ability

6. L-box Passing ability

7. U-box Passing ability

8. Fill-box Passing ability

9. V-funnel at T5minutes Segregation resistance

10. GTM screen stability test Segregation resistance

7
However, using plain SCC alone is brittle, thus a combination with materials that can

fix the problem is essential. Steel fibers i.e. in Figure 2.1 were discussed to be the

suitable combination with reinforced concrete. Using steel fibers in the concrete mix

can improve the brittle resistance of the concrete significantly, because it has the

ductile behavior under various loads, especially compressive loads, tensile loads, and

blast loads (Khaloo, Raisi, Hosseini, and Tahsiri, 2013). Thus, the combination of

these two materials becomes Self-compacting Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SCFRC).

Figure 2.1: Steel fibers (Khaloo et al., 2013)

They also concluded that the workability of SCC in SCFRC in medium to high

strength classes is reduced with the increasing fraction of steel fiber volume. It was

also revealed that the increasing percentage of steel fibers led to the increase of

splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural toughness, but on the contrary,

it decreases the compressive strength of SCC.

8
2.1. Properties of SCFRC

Khaloo et al. (2013) mentioned that hardened SCC has similar mechanical

properties compared to conventional concrete. They had conducted a study to

investigate the effect of steel fibers on rheological properties and mechanical

properties- compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength and

flexural toughness of SCC samples. The investigation consists of four different steel

fiber volume fractions, which were 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% for two SCC mix

designs classified into medium strength (40MPa) and high strength (60MPa).

To determine the rheological properties, the specimens were undergoing through a

slump flow time and diameter, L-box and V-funnel flow time tests. Next, the

compressive strength and splitting tensile strength were performed on a standard

cylindrical specimen of 150 x 300 mm and the latter mechanical properties were

obtained by using several beams of 100 x 140 x 1200 mm. Figure 2.2 simulates the

test setup of the experiment conducted.

Figure 2.2: Test setup of beam (Khaloo et al., 2013)

9
The results obtained in the study was then evaluated and were also compared with

specification and guideline for self-compacting concrete by European Federation of

National Associations Representing for Concrete (EFNARC) and American Concrete

Institute Committee 237 (ACI 237R-07). For example, the acceptance criteria for

SCC with aggregates size up to 20 mm is extracted and presented in Table 2.2. The

paper has summarized that the presence of steel fibers in SCC have provided positives

and negatives attributes in the mix design, however it is depending on its volume

fraction.

Table 2.2: Acceptance criteria for SCC (EFNARC, 2002)

Range
No. Method Unit
Minimum Maximum

1. Slump-flow by Abrams cone mm 650 800

2. T50cm slump flow sec 2 5

3. V-funnel sec 6 12

4. Orimet sec 0 5

5. J-ring mm 0 10

6. L-box (h2/h1) 0.8 1.0

7. U-box (h2-h1)mm 0 30

8. Fill-box % 90 100

9. V-funnel at T5minutes sec 0 +3

10. GTM screen stability test % 0 15

10
The researchers concluded that the existence of steel fiber have whipped up the

splitting tensile strength of the SCC specimens by bridging the gap of cracking

opening. Addition of 2% fiber volume fraction had shown to improve the splitting

tensile by 28.5% and 17.1% for medium and high strength of SCC respectively.

Moreover, with the increasing of steel fibers, the ultimate load capacity is improved

and lead to an increment in the flexural strength.

On the contrary, steel fiber utilization might as well contribute disadvantages on the

SCC workability and compressive strength. The study has confirmed that 2% steel

fiber volume fraction addition in the SCC mixture has caused its workability to falls

below the minimum limit specified in ENFARC. It revealed that the addition of steel

fiber reduced the passing ability of SCC through reinforcement. Furthermore, 18.6%

and 7.5% reduction in 28-days compressive strength were recorded for medium

strength and high strength class respectively using the same volume fraction.

2.2. Punching Shear Failure

Punching shear is a type of failure that occurs on the inclined faces of

truncated zones or pyramids, depending on the shape of the loaded area (British

Standard, 1997). Lau and Clark (2007) added that the failure which developed at

column can cause normal separation of a portion of the concrete by an inclined shear

cracks. Moreover, several studies have been published on this matter, but only few

studies focused on ribbed slab.

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2.2.1. Punching Shear of Ribbed Slab

The experiment conducted through the study was performed on six

micro-concrete wide beam ribbed slabs at edge column specimens. All the

slabs were scaled down to approximately 10 times smaller than the actual

dimension. They were all in 0.5m2 and 60 mm depth including 20 mm top slab

depth.

Figure 2.3 illustrates the test setup consisted of edge beam and internal wide

beam. Deflection points were depicted by D1, D2, and D3, while for column

A and B; they portrayed column at edge of edge wide beam and column at

center of edge wide beam respectively. The study had considered column size

which were 40, 60, or 80 mm square and its location which was either on the

center line of the wide beam edge or at the external edge as variables.

Figure 2.3: General arrangement of slab specimens

12
Punching mechanism for each of the specimens series were observed where all

the slabs failed by punching shear with the failure surface inclined at about 22

to the horizontal and intersected at the top surface at about 2.5 times the

overall slab thickness from the column. Moreover, as a result, the failure load

and displacement were recorded accordingly. The results obtained from the

experiment were then compared with the theoretical method using BS8110 as

a reference. They have concluded that the theoretical method have a good

agreement with the experimental results.

2.2.2. Punching Shear of Flat Slab

Adopting steel fibers in their study, Minh, Rovnak, and Quoc (2012)

conducted a study that dealt with the punching shear behavior and the capacity

of interior SFRC slab-column connections. The study shared a common

method of slab prototype with Lau and Clark (2007), where the specimens

were also scaled down. All twelve specimens were tested to investigate the

effect of fibers volume on punching shear resistance and cracking behavior of

the slabs.

All the slabs were categorized under three groups of Group A, B, and C which

were distinguished in slabs dimension and the ratio of distance from the

loading point to the slab support and effective slab depth. The fiber amount in

SFRC of each group was varied at 30, 40, and 60 kg/m3. Figure 2.4 presents

the general arrangement of the test setup.

13
 Figure 2.4: Details of test setup (Minh, Rovnak, and Quoc, 2012)

The slabs were supported by a steel frame on all four sides (simply supported)

and tested under concentrated load pointed on the column-stab at the slab

center. To determine the deflections, three linear variable differential

transformers (LVDTs) were used at mid-span and the quarter-span of the

slabs. All specimens were tested by a hydraulic testing machine with 10kN

increments up to failure. Thus, deflections and crack development were

recorded at every load level.

Figure 2.5 demonstrates variety of crack patterns found in the study. The crack

patters were found to be occurred at the bottom face of the slabs; (a) without

fibers, (b) 30kg/m3 of steel fibers, (c) 45kg/m3 of steel fibers, and (d) 60kg/m3

of steel fibers.

14
Figure 2.5: Typical crack patterns at the bottom face of slab with different volume of
steel fibers (Minh, Rovnak, and Quoc, 2012)

Punching shear crack patterns were assessed and observed to be very sudden,

brittle and accompanied by falling apart at the bottom concrete cover for the

specimens without steel fibers. Unlike the composite specimens with steel

fibers, the distributions of cracks were more uniform and in smaller width,

proved that the existence of steel fibers improved the specimens integrity in

the vicinity of slab-column connection.

15
2.3. Numerical Analysis of the Punching Shear Failure of Reinforced

Concrete Slabs

Winkler and Stangenberg (2008) has carried out a numerical analysis study to

fill in the gap of research to provide a three-dimensional (3D) problem of punching

shear failure of reinforced concrete members as the topic were discussed

internationally at that time. Moreover, nearly no load bearing behavior was existed to

interpret the complexity of shear behavior of reinforced concrete.

Therefore, the applicability of constitutive law and discretization were investigated in

order to simulate the punching shear failure of reinforced concrete slab. Using Abaqus

as the finite element software, the concrete was modeled by 8-nodes or 20-nodes solid

continuum elements. In regards with the concrete material behavior, a non-linear user

defined material model was selected, based on the concrete damage plasticity (CDP)

model.

The said material model assumes a non-associated flow rates as well as isotropic

damage, hence two types of material functions were defined to implement the

concrete model. Regarding this matter, stress-strain relations were depicted by

uniaxial concrete behavior under compressive and tensile loadings (Figure 2.10)

In conjunction with that, damage variables were introduced to portray the evolution of

damage under compressive loadings, dc and tensile loadings, dt. These parameters are

shown in Equation 2-1 and Equation 2-2 respectively.

1
= 1 (1 (Equation 2.1)
1)+ 1

1
= 1 (1 (Equation 2.2)
1)+ 1

16
Where,

c = corresponding compressive stress (N/mm2)

t = corresponding tensile stress (N/mm2)

Ec = Modulus of Elasticity of concrete

bc = constant factor for compression of 0.7

bt = constant factor for tension of 0.1 respectively

= plastic strain, where = , = . 1 and

= plastic strain, where = , = . 1

Besides concrete, the other material model is for reinforcing steel. The uniaxial steel

behavior was modeled by a bilinear stress-strain relation as shown in Figure 2.6.

Therefore, the information required to model the reinforcing steel in Abaqus were

yield strength fy, modulus of Elasticity Es and ultimate strength fu and the

corresponding ultimate strain u.

Figure 2.6: Elastic perfectly plastic curve for steel reinforcement (Sumer and Aktas, 2015)

17
The model was then arranged and discretized as shown in Figure 2.7. The researchers

used three-dimensional solid (continuum) elements due to the complexity of three-

dimensional stress state within the punching area of slab. On the other hand, the

model mesh is set to be in cubic shape to satisfy the constraints of the material model

used for the simulation.

Three-dimensional 8-node truss elements (T3D8) was used for the reinforcement

discretization considering that there was no remarkable difference by using three-

dimensional truss or beam elements, as reported in the study.

Figure 2.7: Model discretization of test setup (Ragab, 2013)

Three-dimensional 8-node truss elements (T3D8) was used for the reinforcement

discretization considering that there was no remarkable difference by using three-

dimensional truss or beam elements, as reported in the study. Correspondingly, the

typical inclined cracks as shown in Figure 2.8 which was presented by the plastic

strain result has matched well with the theory of punching shear failure.

18
 Figure 2.8: Crack pattern of the simulation of punching shear failure (Winkler and
Stangenberg, 2008)

2.4. Material Constitutive Law

Speaking of material, concrete is such a strong heterogeneous material, and

exhibits a complex non-linear mechanical behavior (Grassl et al., 2013). According to

Abaqus theory manual (2008), the simulation of punching shear failure can only be

derived from Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP). Therefore, a constitutive model

based on the combination of damage mechanics and plasticity is referred to model a

concrete.

The model is a solid (continuum), plasticity-based and damage model for concrete.

The main failure mechanism assumptions made by CDP are tensile cracking and

compressive crushing of concrete. Hence, its failure evolution is controlled by its

pl and compressive
respective hardening variables- tensile equivalent plastic strain,

equivalent plastic strain, c pl .

19
2.4.1. Constitutive Law of Reinforced Concrete

The behavior of RC elements could not be demonstrated by only using

elastic damage model or elastic-plastic constitutive laws only (Sumer and

Aktas, 2015). They mentioned that numerical modeling of these two models

can produce an observation of load deflection behavior of that RC element.

Therefore, using CDP approach in finite element analysis can help researches

for more sufficient results when compared to an experimental result.

These two authors through their study had elaborated the reason why elastic

damage model or elastic-plastic constitutive laws could not capturing the

behavior of RC elements. Using elastic damage model, irreversible strains

cannot be captured where the damage value is to be overestimated since the

zero stress is equal to a zero strain. This statement is illustrated in the second

curve (b) of Figure 2.9. In other case, where elastic plastic relation is adopted

as per third curve (c) of the same figure, the strain is likely to be overestimated

because the unloading curve follows the elastic slope. Therefore, CDP

combines these two approaches and represented as the first curve (a).

Figure 2.9: Elastic-plastic damage law (Sumer and Aktas, 2015)

20
On the other hand, Figure 2.10(a) and Figure 2.10(b) shows the axial tensile

and compressive response of concrete. As shown in the figure, the unloaded

response of concrete is weakened due to the damaged elastic stiffness of the

concrete itself. This damage can be characterized by two types of damage

variables, which are dt and dc; damage variable in tension and compression

respectively. These two values can vary between zeros to one, where zero

represents undamaged materials, whereas one represents total lost of strength.

Figure 2.10 (a): Behavior of concrete under axial compressive strength (Sumer and
Aktas, 2015)

Figure 2.10 (b): Behavior of concrete under axial tension strength (Sumer and Aktas,
2015)

21
Their study has also outlined an equation for damage parameter to capture the

damage behavior of concrete, together with the Abaqus modeling strategies

that was developed by sensitivity checking against its mesh density, dilation

angle, and fracture energy, Gf. Figure 2.11 shows one of the numerical

analysis result obtained. Based on the verification made in the study, 2 of 3

test cases were recorded to have best result when using mesh density of 50

mm, dilation angle at range of 30 to 50, and both were not very sensitive to

the fracture energy, Gf.

Figure 2.11: Numerical analysis result for Test Case 1 (Sumer and Aktas, 2015)

On the other hand, the theory of CDP to assess the behavior of concrete was

mentioned earlier by Jankowiak and Lodygowski (2005). They have stated

that it is necessary to identify a large number of parameters for structural

materials like concrete. This is because; concrete consists of a wide range of

materials, whose properties are quantitatively and qualitatively different in

compression and tension.

22
They presented a method and requirements of the material parameters

identification for concrete damage plasticity constitutive model. Two

laboratory experiments that were necessary to identify the said parameters

were conducted which were; analysis of the three- point bending single-edge

notched concrete beam and four-point bending single-edge notched concrete

beam under static loadings.

As a result, crack patterns produced in the numerical and laboratory tests were

discussed and compared with the experimental ones. Figure 2.12 presents the

crack patterns observed for three-point bending single-edge notched beam

using (a) Numerical analysis software-Abaqus and (b) laboratory experiment.

Figure 2.12 (a): Crack patterns development (left to right) for three-point bending
single-edge notched beam with CDP numerical model (Jankowiak and Lodygowski,
2005)

Figure 2.12 (b): Development of fracture path (left to right) observed in experiment
(Jankowiak and Lodygowski, 2005)

23
The study has concluded that using CDP model enables a proper failure

mechanism of concrete elements. It can be used to model the behavior of

reinforced concrete and other pre-stresses concrete structures.

2.4.2. Parameters for the Constitutive SCFRC Models

Teixeira et al. (2014) have outlined the parameters used in numerical

simulation through their study on punching shear behavior of flat slab using

SCFRC. This study has taken RILEM TC 162-TDF as its design specification

to model the uniaxial behavior of SFRC. However, the stress-strain, -

method proposed for the prediction of force-displacement relationship was

lack in precision.

Therefore, an inverse analysis was made to fit the numerical response to the

experimental curves obtained in the punching test. Thus, the parameter values

used to model the SCFRC post-cracking behavior is obtained. Table 2.3

tabulates the mentioned analysis for defining the stress-strain, - diagram.

Table 2.3: New approach for - diagram (RILEM TC 162-TDF)

Stress, i (MPa) Strain, i

1 = 0.52 fctm,fl (1.6-d) 1 = 1 / Ec

2 = 0.36 fR,1 Kh 2 = 1.2 %

3 = 0.27 fR,4 Kh 3 = 104 %

24
These points can be represented in diagrams as shown in Figure 2.13 (a) where

fctm,fl and Ec are the SFRC average flexural tensile strength and Youngs

modulus (in MPa), respectively, d is the effective beams depth (in mm) and Kh

is a parameters that intends to simulate the influence, on the post peak

behavior, of the element cross section height extracted from Figure 2.7(b).

Figure 2.13 (a): Stress-strain diagram for SFRC (RILEM TC 162-TDF)

Figure 2.13 (b): Size factor (RILEM TC 162-TDF)

25
 As the inverse analysis is performed and new parameters were used for

defining the post-cracking, the stress-strain diagram was obtained. Using the

force-displacement relationship derived from the inverse analysis, evaluations

were made on the relation between the post-cracking strain and the crack

opening displacement. According to the study, this relationship is useful to

evaluate the crack opening when numerical strategies based on stress-strain

approach are used.

2.5. Gap of Research

There have been a lot of valuable studies on punching shear behavior using

reinforced concrete structure. Be the studies were conducted in experiment or

numerical simulations, both methodology highlighted the identical truncated zone or

inclined crack pattern in punching shear perimeter. Nevertheless, none of these

studies provides an evaluation of the said behavior in ribbed slab, except for Lau and

Clark (2007). However, since their study is almost a decade years back, the material

used in their study was not advanced as per today. Thus, theirs was lacking in material

innovation and technology. Hence, current study is upgrading the material from

conventional reinforced concrete (RC) to a hybrid reinforced concrete, presenting a

combination of self-compacting concrete, steel fibers, and steel reinforcement

(SCFRC).

26
Moreover, very little studies were using SCFRC as their material, thus causing

limitation understanding on the constitutive law to be adopted, especially in numerical

simulation type of research. Although, Teixeira et al. (2014) recently have provided

the parameters for SCFRC, the research was conducted for a flat slab instead of

ribbed slab. Thus, current study is conducted to observe the differences while

adopting the SCFRC constitutive law in ribbed slab.

Table 2.4 concludes the significant and limitations criteria in previous research. The

significance highlighted in the table are the advantages of previous research that were

kept and maintained in current research, although will be presented in different way.

For instance, current study is adopting numerical method to express the studys

objective using different advanced software (Abaqus). On the other hand, the

limitations in previous research mentioned in the table were improved and upgraded

in current study by using upgraded material which is SCFRC. In addition, current

study is using type of structure which is ribbed slab, which was least used in earlier

research.

27
 Table 2.4: Gap of Research

Criteria
Author (Year) Significant (S)/ Limitations (L)
Material Methodology Structure

Experimental and Numerical verified (S)

Jankowiak and Lodygowski (2005) Reinforced Concrete Beam
Numerical Conventional material (L)

Experimental and Ribbed Innovated Structure (S)

Lau and Clark (2007) Reinforced Concrete

28
Theoretical (BS 8110) Slab Conventional material (L)

Advanced software (S)

Winkler and Stangenberg (2008) Reinforced Concrete Numerical (Abaqus) Solid Slab
Conventional material (L)

Steel Fiber Reinforced Upgraded material (S)

Minh, Rovnak, and Quoc (2012) Experimental Solid Slab
Concrete Numerical not available (L)

Self-compacting Fiber Experimental and Advanced software and verified (S)

Teixeira et al. (2014) Solid Slab
Reinforced Concrete Numerical (Femix 4.0) Upgraded material (S)

Advanced software and verified (S)

Self-compacting Fiber Ribbed
Current Research Numerical (Abaqus) Upgraded material (S)
Reinforced Concrete Slab
Innovated Structure (S)
 CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHOD

3.0 FINITE ELEMENT MODEL FOR PUNCHING

Engineering industry has developed an advance modern computing

techniques, and has adopted finite element method in design and analysis.

Development of code practice and its redevelopment is a continuous process in

Structural Engineering. Therefore, it requires a wide range of studies, including

experiments and simulations.

However, many variables to be considered in a study will lead to many numbers of

experiments, thus involving high cost and time consuming. This is where the problem

gets simplified by using Abaqus as the software to analyze using Finite Element

method. In the meantime, a verification of a model is necessary in order to verify the

data input and parameters used are sufficient to run the model and obtain an

acceptable result.

Abaqus has been designed as user-friendly software. Each module listed has

simplifies the procedure of a simulation. Figure 3.9 shows the flow chart of detailed

procedures involved in this study. The flow chart includes the range of step increment

defined in the Abaqus simulation.

29
Figure 3.9: Procedures in Abaqus

30
3.1. Model Verification

As a first verification of a finite element model, a numerical simulation of

punching shear behavior on SCFRC flat slabs done by Teixeira, Barros, Cunha,

Moraes-Neto, and Ventura-Gouveia (2014) is simulated. Square shaped flat slabs of

different heights and steel fibers volume, supported by Dywidag steel bars of 35mm,

were tested until failure occurred.

Figure 3.1(a) shows the three-dimensional (3D) test setup of the SCFRC flat

slab prototype followed by Figure 3.1 (b), showing the steel reinforcement adopted in

the sample and cross section B-B.

Figure 3.1: Test setup of the prototype flat slab (Teixeira et al., 2014)

31
 Figure 3.1(b): Flexural reinforcement of the SCFRC flat slab (Teixeira et al., 2014)

The geometrical and material parameters of the chosen slab and its associated

simulation parameters are tabulated in Table 3.1 and 3.2, respectively. This sample

consists of 60 kg/m3 of steel fibers with compressive strength of fcm = 50MPa. The

selection of the sample is based on the availability of design method information in

RILEM TC 162-TDF and the journal itself, thus the selection made.

32
Table 3.1: Geometrical and material parameters of the experiment
Denotation Parameter

Slab size (mm) 2550x2550x150 mm

Residual flexural strength, fR,i (MPa) fR,1 = 5.92 MPa

fR,4 = 1.96 MPa

Steel reinforcement properties Poisson's ratio, = null

Young Modulus, Es = 209490 MPa

Compressive stress, fc = 467.01 MPa

Tensile stress, fsy = 530 MPa

Reinforcement ratio, = 0.88%

Concrete properties Poisson's ratio, = 0.21

Young Modulus, Ec = 37200 MPa

Compressive strength, fcm = 50 MPa

Steel fiber content X = 60kg/m3

Table 3.2: Simulation parameters for concrete

Denotation Parameter

Damage parameters (Winkler and Compression factor, bc = 0.7

Stangenberg, 2008) Tension factor, bt = 0.1

Plasticity parameters (Abrishambaf, Barros, Dilation angle, = 40

Cunha, 2014) Eccentricity, E = 0.1

Ratio of biaxial to uniaxial compressive

strength, b0/c0 = 1.16

Second stress invariant ratio, K= 2/3

Viscosity parameter = 0 (default)

33
3.1.1. Material Model, Functions, and Parameters

Winkler and Stangenberg through 2008 Abaqus Users Conference has

mentioned, the suitable and admissible results for the 3-D simulation of

punching shear failure can only be derived from the elasto-plastic damage

model- concrete damage plasticity (CDP) for concrete.

While for the reinforcing steel, the parameters input is yield strength fy

(530MPa), Modulus of Elasticity Es (209.49GPa), as well as the ultimate

strength fu (684MPa) and its corresponding ultimate strain u (0.00253). Figure

3.2 portrays the material assignation and the sub-module used.

Steel
(Elastic & Plasticity)

Concrete
(Elastic & CDP)

Figure 3.2: Material Assignation

To suit in the CDP parameters with the material used which was SCFRC,

Teixeira and his fellow researchers provided an inverse analysis to capture its

uniaxial behavior under compressive and tensile loadings as portrayed in

Figure 2.13(a). In conjunction with the formula listed in Table 2.3, a stress-

strain curve in compression and tension are produced based on the chosen slab

and shown in Figure 3.3(a) and Figure 3.3(b), respectively.

34
 Figure 3.3(a): Stress-strain curve of Sample A in compression

Figure 3.3(b): Stress-strain curve of Sample A in tension

Upon these stress-strain diagram production, the value of compressive

pl pl
equivalent plastic strain, c and tensile equivalent plastic strain, t which

will determine the failure mechanism will be automatically calculated by

Abaqus. This case however, requires the input of compressive inelastic strain,

35
 and tensile cracking strain, which can be derived from Equation 3-1

and Equation 3-2, respectively.

They are defined as the total strain minus the elastic strain corresponding to

the undamage material of each behaviour, where;

= 0 , where 0 = 0 (Equation 3.1)

= 0 , where 0 = 0 (Equation 3.2)

Hence, the compressive inelastic strain and tensile cracking strain

calculated are shown in Table 3.3(a) and Table 3.3(b).

Table 3.3(a): Compressive inelastic strain

Strain, c (%) Stress, c (MPa) Inelastic strain,

(%)

0.00075 27.573 0.00000

0.00100 31.995 0.00013

0.00150 43.153 0.00033

0.00220 50.000 0.00084

0.00290 39.794 0.00182

0.00300 25.000 0.00232

0.00350 13.192 0.00314

36
 Table 3.3(b): Tensile inelastic strain

Strain, c (%) Stress, c (MPa) Inelastic strain,

(%)

0.00014 4.976 0.00000

0.00040 4.251 0.00028

0.00067 3.527 0.00057

0.00093 2.802 0.00085

0.00120 2.064 0.00114

0.01148 1.909 0.01142

0.02176 1.754 0.02171

0.03204 1.599 0.03199

0.05260 1.288 0.05256

0.06288 1.133 0.06284

0.07316 0.978 0.07313

0.08344 0.823 0.08341

0.09372 0.668 0.09370

0.10400 0.512 0.10398

3.1.2. Types of Elements

Types of element are the standard volume elements specified by

Abaqus. It can be composed of a single homogeneous material or can either be

laminated in composite solids. The types of element chosen is dependable on

the user and characterized based on the order of family, number of nodes,

space of modeling, and integration.

37
This verification use solid 3D elements of 20-node quadratic brick

(C3D20RH) to model the flat slab. It is a unique name that identifies its

primary characteristic. For C3D20R, it is a continuum stress/displacement (C)

family element, in three-dimensional (3D) modeling space, with 20 numbers

of nodes, using reduced integration (R) and hybrid (H) system; as shown in

Figure 3.4.

Figure 3.4: C3D20RH element

On the other hand, T3D3H; a hybrid element of 3-node quadratic in three-

dimensional (3D) modeling space of truss family element (T) were used to

model the steel reinforcement T12 reinforcement as shown in Figure 3.5.

Truss element is used for line-like structures that support loading along the

axis/center line of the element and have no initial stiffness to resist

perpendicular loading.

38
 Figure 3.5: T3D3 Truss Element of Steel Reinforcement

As a part of section definition, the cross-sectional area of 113.0973 mm2 is

defined for the reinforcements. To develop the interaction between the

reinforcing steel and the SCFRC flat slab, these steel bars were embedded in

the flat slab and it allows independent choices of the concrete mesh. Figure 3.6

provides self-explains how the steel bar is embedded into the flat slab.

Embedded

Host
Region

Figure 3.6: Assemblage of Steel Reinforcement inside a Flat Slab

39
3.1.3. Support and Load

Load and boundary condition module in Abaqus covers the conditions

and requirements of support and load application area in laboratory

experiments. These variables affect the experimental as well as the simulation

results. Based on the experimental setup in Figure 3.1, spring dywidag steel

supports were used and were pinned to the reaction floor. Therefore, the

simulation applies pinned support at the bottom four edge of the flat slab as

shown in Figure 3.7.

Load

Pinned
Support

Figure 3.7: Load and Boundary Condition Assignation

For the static simulation, the modified Riks method is adopted since this method is

applicable to solve linear and non-linear sets of equations. The method uses arc-

length method to measure the progress of the solution, while simultaneously solve the

loads and displacement (Abaqus manual, 2014).

40
Nevertheless, since this study involves nonlinear behaviour, non-linear geometry

(NLGEOM) is activated in order to allow the large-displacement formulation. To

manage the non-linear simulation, limitations in the arc-length increment as well as

the modifications in the incrementation of time often improve the convergence

behaviour of the simulation (Winkler and Stangenberg, 2008).

To define the modified Riks method, an initial step is to be defined by the user.

This initial will control the initial load applied on the model, where in the study,

0.001 is defined to indicate that the initial applied load is 0.1% from the load defined

(10N/mm2). Automatically, Abaqus will calculate the initial applied load at the first

increment as 400N.

3.1.4. Mesh Generation and Discretization of SCRFC Flat Slab

In Abaqus software package, variety of tools is provided for

controlling the mesh characteristic. The meshing density is specified by

creating seeds for the instances of ribbed slab, column, and reinforcement. The

meshing technique can be in structured or swept shape.

In this module, triangles and tetrahedral meshing were avoided if possible

because structured meshing (quadrilaterals and hexahedra in shape) have a

better convergence rate. Figure 3.8 shows the meshing model with equal

density for each element.

41
 100 mm
structured
mesh

Figure 3.8: Structured Meshing of the Flat Slab at 100 mm

Upon subject meshing, the model is then submitted for finite element analysis.

The density of meshing could affect the accuracy of the result produced. The

denser the meshing density, the result will be more accurate. However, denser

meshing is equal to higher number of element because each of the part was

divided into smaller elements. In addition, longer time will be needed to

analyze the model. Therefore, as a user, one should independently input the

suitable size of meshing that is suitable to accommodate requirements and

constraints of the study.

3.2. Model of Ribbed Slab

To assess the punching shear behavior in ribbed slab, a modification of

dimension is made on the verified flat slab model. There is no significance factor

considered in the ribbed slab dimension because the only key is to develop rib part.

The ribbed slab will have 3 ribs with equal thickness of topping and rib part, and the

detailed dimension is shown in Figure 3.9(a).

42
The ribbed slab model is then going through the exactly same process in the Figure

3.1, using the last analysis in the flat slab verification. In other way, the SCFRC

ribbed slab model does not have any differences from the SCFRC flat slab model

except for the cross-section area due to the ribbed part, and thus Figure 3.9(b). The

figure is shown from the bottom face to indicate that the load is applied from bottom

(ribbed part). Later, the findings of both models are elaborated in the next section.

Figure 3.9(a): Dimension of Ribbed Slab

SCFRC
Ribbed Slab Load

Pinned
Support
Steel Reinforcement

Figure 3.9(b): Features of Ribbed Slab

43
 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1. Finite Element Analysis Results

This study is conducted based on experimental research made by Teixeira et

al. (2014), due to the similarity in material used which is SCFRC. Therefore, the

parameters used in this research were taken based on the data provided by the

researchers themselves as well as the references used by them. The section will be

discussing the results obtained from the Abaqus simulation. Firstly, for the

verification purpose, a comparison of load-displacement curve between the

experiment testing and numerical finding will be made. Secondly, the contour

obtained is then compared with the theoretical philosophy. Lastly, the punching shear

failure behavior is later observed in SCFRC ribbed slab. However, the magnitude will

not be elaborated further since this studys focuses is on the punching shear behavior

and not targeting on the magnitude of each behavior. The punching shear behaviors to

be discussed are shear crack pattern and stress distribution.

4.1.1. Load-displacement curve

Teixeira et al. (2014) in their research had provided the failure load

and its corresponding displacement for Sample A which were 386.08kN and

28.23mm, respectively. Figure 4.1 shows the superimposed load-displacement

curve of the experimental work and the numerical analysis done in the current

study. Although the curve produced in Abaqus has slightly diverted from the

original trend, this is happened due to some reasons.

44
 Figure 4.1: Load-displacement curve of Sample A

Sample A is supposed to be reinforced with 60 kg/m3 of fibers and a

compressive strength of 50 MPa. However, according to the journal, due to

deficiencies on the automatic procedure in the experimental test, relatively low

content of fibers was introduced into the mixer. In Sample A, the fibers

content was approximately lower down to 30 kg/m3. This explains the margin

between Abaqus findings and the experimental results. Moreover, concerning

the numerical analysis of Sample A, the load decay observed in the

experimental test was hardly captured by Abaqus due to difficulties on the

convergence process through the simulation.

45
On the other hand, parameters defined as in Table 3.3(a) and Table 3.3(b) in

CDP plays the most important role in determining the directions of the

nonlinearity of the analysis. These parameters were defined based on the

stress-strain diagram as per Figure 3.3(a) and Figure 3.3(b). From the latter

figure, a very steep and sudden change of linearity has caused disoriented in

Abaqus, causing unstable and unable to make the next increment. Given that

the parameters defined were not close enough for Abaqus to read and

calculates its next increment, thus the simulation was aborted as it enters the

hardening curve.

4.1.2. Shear Crack Pattern

Firstly, for the verification purpose, comparisons of crack pattern are

made between the numerical findings and theory explanations. In Abaqus, the

crack pattern is represented by plastic strain (PE). This type of punching shear

failure behavior develops an inclined shear crack around the concentrated load

area. This behavior is observed to be appeared on the concrete surface,

opposite to the loaded surface.

Figure 4.2(a) and Figure 4.2(b) shows the agreement of this study with the

mentioned theory. Followed by that, Figure 4.3(a) represents the occurrence of

punching shear crack on the bottom surface of the flat slab.

46
 Numerical Inclined
shear crack

Theory

Figure 4.2(a): The truncated zone around loaded area found in numerical finding
(top) and theory (bottom)

Numerical Theory

Figure 4.2(b): Comparison of the punching shear crack between numerical finding
(left) and theory (right)

47
Figure 4.3(a): Evolution of punching shear crack occurrence at the bottom face of flat
slab

48
Based on the figures shown, the contour itself has explained the intensity of

plastic strain at the most critical part which was indicated as red zone to the

least critical zone, indicated as blue zone.

The crack pattern observed on the SCFRC flat slab surface is more

symmetrical compared to the crack pattern observed on SCFRC ribbed slab.

Figure 4.3(b) represents the crack pattern on SCFRC ribbed slab concrete

surface. Different with the crack pattern observed on the SCFRC flat slab, this

crack pattern is not that symmetry and disperse at the edge of the rib part. This

is mainly due to the existence of ribs that had its adjacent thickness into half.

Figure 4.3(b): Punching shear crack occurrence at the bottom face of ribbed slab

4.1.3. Stress Distribution

Different from the first failure behavior, stress distribution is observed

within the steel reinforcement. Since concrete is a brittle material and very

weak in tensile loadings, reinforcing steel is designed to cater the tensile

loadings and distribute the stress within the flat slab.

49
A ribbed slab model is built to discuss the effect of rib parts in stress

distribution. Figure 4.4 compares the stress distributed on the concrete

surface, viewed from the bottom face in flat slab and ribbed slab, respectively.

From this figure, it shows how the contribution of ribbed part helps in

distributing the stress well on the concrete surface. Different from the

distribution observed in flat slab, the stress is concentrating around the loaded

area, thus causing concentrated pressure on the steel reinforcement.

Figure 4.4: Stress distribution within the SCFRC flat slab (left) and ribbed slab
(right)

Since the ribbed slab distributes the stress better than flat slab, the same

distribution is noticed for the reinforcng steel, where, the reinforcing steel in

ribbed slab shares the stress distribution better than the one in flat slab as

shown in Figure 4.5.

50
 Figure 4.5: Stress distribution within the steel reinforcement in flat slab (left) and
ribbed slab (right)

Only small intensity of stress was distributed by the concrete, whereas

reinforcing steel distributes the stress at much more denser intensity. To

reduce the stress experienced by the reinforcing steel, an alternative

measurement can be taken by adopting shear reinforcement around the loaded

area. By other means, the shear reinforcing steel around loaded area will be

the first medium to counter the stress caused by the concentrated load before

the stress distributes to other parts.

4.2. Discussions

This section explains the reasons why this study could not elaborate further

into the magnitude of each finding. The purpose of verification model was to prove

that Abaqus is a reliable software, and this has been proven in section 4.1 and 4.2.

However, the magnitude obtained through out this simulation study are not enough to

verify the failure load and maximum displacement obtained in experiment conducted

by Teixeira et al. (2014). There were some precaution measurements can be taken to

reduce the possibilities of diverging which are unit system and meshing size.

51
4.2.1. International System of Units

Using Abaqus as the finite element analysis package is one of the

solution to provide less cost analysis, compared to an actual laboratory

experimental which is costly and in large size. However, as one of the user,

one should be able to understand the software well and able to interpolate the

result produced. Abaqus does not have predefined system of units, therefore, it

is depending to the user to ensure that correct values are specified in all

procedures.

One should also be careful on the units selection because one unit is related to

the other units. Abaqus Manual Version 6.14 provides guideline on

consistency unit selection as presented in the Table 5.1. Since this study used

SI (mm) unit, all the respective magnitude shown in Chapter 4 are having unit

as in respective column of SI (mm) unit.

Table 5.1: Consistent units of Abaqus

Quantity SI SI (mm) US Unit (ft) US Unit (inch)

Length m mm Ft in

Force N N Lbf lbf

Mass kg tonne Slug lbf s2/in

Time s s S s

Stress Pa MPa lbf/ft2 psi

Energy J mJ ft.lbf in.lbf

Density kg/m3 tonne/mm3 slug/ft2 lbf s2/in4

52
4.2.2. Meshing Size

The concept of Abaqus to solve the equations is integration of straight

line. Therefore, users are responsible for meshing sizes and shapes assignation

that will affect the straight lines. For example, part instances in circular or

curve edges might have problem in the analysis since the straight line is

minimal. However, in this case, the model does not involve with circular part.

The only tricky part is around the loaded area where partitioned is a must so

that the flat slab has structured shape. This means, more straight lines are

available for the integration to be done. Having structured shape of meshing

will help the convergence of elements during analysis.

As mentioned earlier in Chapter 3, different meshing sizes will affect the

accuracy of the result produced. The more discrete the element is, the more

accurate the result will be. However, it will take longer time to analysis the

model since there are too many straight lines to integrate.

4.2.3. Arc-Length Incrementation of Modified Riks

As per mentioned earlier, difficulties of capturing the non-linear formulas

issue is related to the convergence process of the numerical simulation, in this

case modified Riks method. Based on the Winkler and Stangenberg

(2008), a frequently long-winded variation of the solution and control

parameters have to be performed to manage the non-linear simulation.

53
In conjunction with the discussion in section 4.2.2, this module plays the

important part alongside with the meshing and discretization of the model.

This is because; it controls the convergence behavior of the simulations. For

example; initial at 0.1 tells the software to start the simulation at 10% of the

load applied, and further on, Abaqus automatically calculates the increment

based on the range of minimum and maximum increment defined.

Consequently, with good element discretization and adequate arc-length, the

results obtained can be improved.

54
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1. Conclusion

Firstly, the verification model that was made based on published journal is

using the parameters defined by the research itself. From the verification model, a

conclusion can be made that some parameters were pre-defined from bending test

before conducting a punching shear testing. There are Youngs Modulus, compressive

strength, and residual strength. These parameters are important to calculate the CDP

parameters. Using Abaqus, the SCFRC flat slab and SCFRC ribbed slab are modelled.

From the load-displacement curve, Abaqus simulation shows unstable integration as

the load passed 200kN as it enters the earlier stage of nonlinearity at displacement of

around 4.5mm. Although the load-displacement curve of Abaqus simulation was

slightly diverted from the experimental trend, the deficiencies of fibers content during

experiment had it explained.

Secondly, crack pattern is observed and shows good agreement with the theory of

punching shear behavior. The truncated zone or inclined shear crack can be found

within the SCFRC flat slab and ribbed slab thickness caused by the concentrated load

from column. However, SCFRC ribbed slab shows unsymmetrical pattern where the

cracks occur most at the middle rib edge. This might have happened due to the

applied load at the middle rib and half thickness adjacent to the rib part.

55
Lastly, stress distribution within the flat slab is compared with the stress distributed

within the ribbed slab. Presences of ribs were proved to provide better stress

distribution along the slab surface thus distributes the stress well along the steel

reinforcement.

5.2. Recommendation

SCFRC can be one of the structural materials that have high potential in the

worlds construction industry. Further development in its mechanical properties and

potential would expose its advantages over normal RC elements.

This study has only mentioning on the punching shear behavior of SCFRC slab, in

term of crack pattern and stress distribution. The model itself is very close to produce

the non-linearity results. With some adjustment and modifications, especially in the

closeness of the parameters defined in CDP, it will help to solve the non-linear

equations using modified Riks method.

On the other hand, additional fibers percentage in the concrete might increase the

failure load and the corresponding displacement. In fact, the numerical analysis which

considered 60kg/m3 has shown higher load at small displacement compared to the

experimental test that contained only 30kg/m3 of fibers.

56
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Ventura-Gouveia, A. (2013). Numerical Modelling of the Punching Behavior of

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(2005). Post-cracking Behavior of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete. Materials and

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58
APPENDICES

59
 APPENDIX A
Load-Displacement Curve Sample A

displacement force
0 0
5.00E-03 623.959
1.00E-02 1.25E+03
1.75E-02 2.18E+03
2.87E-02 3.59E+03
4.56E-02 5.69E+03
7.09E-02 8.85E+03
1.09E-01 1.36E+04
1.66E-01 2.07E+04
2.51E-01 3.13E+04
3.78E-01 4.70E+04
5.70E-01 6.59E+04
8.67E-01 9.08E+04
1.1726 1.12E+05
1.24971 1.16E+05
1.32735 1.21E+05
1.44524 1.27E+05
1.56489 1.34E+05
1.68533 1.40E+05
1.80642 1.46E+05
1.92794 1.52E+05
2.05123 1.58E+05
2.17649 1.64E+05
2.36897 1.73E+05
2.56284 1.80E+05
2.75776 1.87E+05
2.95086 1.93E+05
3.14164 1.99E+05
3.42449 2.06E+05
3.84276 2.16E+05
4.07448 2.19E+05
4.41308 2.18E+05
4.58128 2.18E+05
4.74969 2.17E+05
4.91731 2.16E+05

60
61
 APPENDIX B
Design Method of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC)

62