Numerical analysis of torsional tangent rigidity of reinforced concrete waffle slab

This research work deals with the analysis of torsional tangent rigidity of reinforced concrete waffle slabs by comparisons of the numerical analysis with results of experimental tests, with calculations performed using the ATENA program. This program was specially developed for the calculation of reinforced concrete structures, considering the physical and geometric nonlinear analysis using the finite element method. Numerical analysis considered the tensile strength of the concrete and consequently the fracture energy. Numerical situations were tested to obtain the calibration of the numerical analysis with the laboratory tests. After the calibrations, the results were extrapolated to extreme situations to infer tangent torsion rigidity in new situations. It is concluded that, for waffle slabs, near the rupture, the torsional tangent rigidity should be 5% of the torsional tangent rigidity to the initial torsion. In service, considering one third of the total breaking load, the torsional tangent rigidity should be 85% of the torsional tangent rigidity to the initial twist. This great torsional tangent rigidity in service is another parameter that guarantees the structural efficiency of the waffle slabs and can be used in the most diverse applications of structural engineering.

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