Finite element modelling of hollow-core concrete slabs

Light weight plastic spheres from recycled plastics have been commonly used in the design and construction of lightweight hollow-core concrete slabs. While this approach is regarded as an effective method to reduce the dead load of slabs and to increase the imposed load carrying capacity, limited technical information exists about the benefits of hollow core concrete slabs and their structural performance. A literature review on the engineering databases uncovered some awards and application articles on the technologies, but little analysis about its structural performance can be found. In this paper, Strand 7 Finite Element Analysis in conjunction with Rhinoceros 4 3D CAD software was used to create composite FEA models of concrete slabs. These composite models were loaded to observe stresses and cracked section behaviour in both hollow-core concrete slabs and solid concrete slabs to determine the relative merits of hollow core concrete slabs over regular solid concrete slabs.