Total Strain FE Model for Reinforced Concrete Floors on Piles

A finite element (FE) model using a total strain material model has been developed to predict the behavior of warehouse reinforced concrete floors on piles. The material model (not the FE model itself) was calibrated to material tests. The FE model for the floor structure was checked with full-scale experiments. For a warehouse, punching load optimization and surface crack control are important design factors. It is concluded that if calibrated material models are used, total strain-based FE models are able to indicate surface crack width and punching strength for several types of reinforcement. Furthermore, it is concluded that it is possible to develop a total strain material model from material tests.