Numerical and Experimental Behavior Analysis of Slabs Strengthened Using Steel Plates and Slurry-Infiltrated Mat Concrete (SIMCON) Laminates

This study has two main aims; firstly, investigating the behavior of slabs that are strengthened with different types of reinforcements and with Slurry-Infiltrated Mat Concrete (SIMCON) laminates, having different dimensions and thicknesses and subjected to static and dynamic (impact) loads. Secondly, the development of a non-linear finite element (FE) model to simulate the behavior of the tested slabs utilizing the ABAQUS/Standard package. The modeling of the NSC slabs strengthened with either SIMCON or steel plates involves using three-dimensional solid elements that are partially integrated with the modeling of concretes using the 8-node brick element (C3D8R). The results of the experimental and numerical investigations are compared to examine whether the slab modeling is sufficient. The comparison includes the element type, material characteristics, real constants, and convergence study. The predicted ultimate load-carrying capacity versus vertical deformation response is compared with the lab results that correspond with it, as obtained via the FE analysis of all tested slabs. In addition, the results of the FE analysis of slab specimens that are strengthened with steel plates were compared to the results of the ones strengthened using SIMCON laminates. The obtained results have led to a number of significant observations. Considering the punching shear strength, it was found that using SIMCON strengthening in different dimensions increased the slab’s punching shear capacity and outperformed steel-strengthened slabs. As for the plate stiffness, SIMCON-strengthened slabs presented higher stiffness rates than steel-strengthened slabs, to the extent that even 20 mm SIMCON strengthening outperformed the steel plate-strengthened slabs of any thickness or dimensions. The axial load-displacement relationships indicate that all the numerical models show a stiffer behavior when compared with the experimental axial load-displacement relationships. The slab thickness of SIMCON significantly affects the load-carrying capacity, and it increases with the increase in thickness. Likewise, using strengthening from steel plates gives a higher load-carrying capacity. Finally, since the results of the yield line analyses for these slabs are found to match the experimental results closely, this method is considered to be suitable for practical use in determining the strength of plated slabs. Therefore, the conclusion is drawn that the proposed FE model can be sufficiently used in evaluating the dynamic responses of slabs strengthened with SIMCON or steel plates and subjected to cyclic and impact load.

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