Numerical simulation of the load bearing behaviour of concrete dowels in slim-floor construction – CoSFB

In this paper the current status of an ongoing research on composite slim-floor beams (SFB) with concrete dowels (CoSFB) is presented, Fig. 1. Using commercial software ABAQUS [1], a 3D solid model with non-linear material laws has been developed to simulate the load bearing
behaviour of concrete dowels numerically. The model was validated by the results of experimental investigations, which have proven a high stiffness of the concrete dowels under service loads and their ductile behaviour in reaching the load bearing resistance [2], [3]. Further, in comparison to traditional shear studs, the thickness of the concrete cover above the upper flange of composite SFB with concrete dowels can be reduced to a minimum, which leads to an optimized floor thickness and overall to a more economic construction. Main parameters defining the FE model, which influence the load bearing capacity, the behaviour and failure of the shear connection were identified and described in this paper. Available results and analysis from the parametric study are described. Wide range of results obtained from the numerical study will be used to derive an analytical model to allow predicting the load bearing resistance of the system.