Numerical Analysis of the Failure Process of a Reinforced-Concrete Slab with Non-Linear Fracture Models

The Polytechnic University of Valencia organised in 2018 the contest "Catedra ECSA", which proposed to obtain the maximum load and the failure mode of a reinforced-concrete slab. This 2.4 m side slab was supported on four points and bore a central load plus another one on a vertex close to a hole. The most approximate solution was obtained by a numerical model of finite elements created with the commercial programme ATENA, which used non-linear constitutive models and cohesive crack models. The results show the evolution of the deformation with the load, which increases faster after the plastification of the reinforcing bars, and the failure mode by punch in the supports. 2022 Asociacion Espanola de Ingenieria Estructural (ACHE). Published by Cinter Divulgacion Tecnica S.L. Creative Commons License (CC BY NC-ND 3.0).