Robust design procedure for RC plates and shell structures using developed advanced sandwich model

In recent years, a notable increase in the number of complex concrete roofs has been observed. Simultaneously, the design codes lack design approaches for such structures in which the elements are subjected to combined forces (membrane and transverse) and moments (flexure and torsion). The finite element-based design (FEBD) has been provided for these structural elements; however, it is not widely adopted for the design. Hence, there is an urgent need to fill this gap. Therefore, an automatic FEBD procedure is developed in this study based on the equilibrium consideration, named the developed advanced sandwich model (DASM). The element cracking inspection was performed according to the multi-axial compression state of concrete. Subsequently, the DASM was developed to account for the effect of transverse shear forces. The proposed design algorithm was developed using a Python script linked with ABAQUS software to perform an automatic design for all elements and to be presented as a practical design tool. Additionally, the damage-based analysis was performed as an assessment tool to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed design procedure. This study illustrated that using the DASM reduced the steel reinforcement by up to 40% and increased the ductility by 10–15%. Also, it is observed that the ultimate capacity of the considered examples, including the solid plate and flat plate, slightly decreased by 4.1% and 1.8% (less than 5%), respectively, which hardly affects the overall response of the designed structure. Indeed, these results demonstrate the efficiency of the developed procedure. In summary, the results of this study indicate that the proposed design framework (DASM) presents a highly accurate, relatively simple, and robust procedure for designing plate and shell structures with complex geometry, where the design process can be completed on a standard personal computer in a few seconds. •The DASM is formulated on the equilibrium basis, considered transverse shear forces, and introduced as a robust design tool.•A preliminary inspection of element cracking was performed according to EN-1992-2-2005.•The proposed design algorithm was developed using a Python script linked with ABAQUS software to perform automatic design.•Damage-based analysis was performed as an assessment tool for the designed plate response.•The developed design procedure capability is demonstrated through different examples, including complex shell structures.