Nonlinear Modeling of Flat-Plate Structures Using Grid Beams

This paper presents a simplified grid beam model for simulating the nonlinear response of reinforced concrete flat-plate structures. The beam elements are defined with nonlinear behavior for bending moment and torsion. The flexural stiffness and torsional strength of the beam elements are defined based on experimental data to implicitly account for slab two-way bending effects. A failure criterion that considers the interaction between the punching strength and slab flexural behavior is incorporated in the model. The effects of bond-slip of slab reinforcement on connection stiffness are examined. The proposed grid beam model is validated by simulating large-scale tests of slab-column connections subjected to concentric gravity loading and unbalanced moment. This study also determines the critical parameters for a hysteretic model used to simulate flat-plates subjected to cyclic lateral loading