ABSTRACT
The experiment is simulated in Diana, Release 9.4.4 (TNO DIANA, 2012). The slab is modeled as shell elements with 40% of orthotropy and the supports are modeled as 3D solid elements (Fig. 1). The slab was initially not resting on all support bearings due to geometric imperfections. Based on the measurements of the reaction forces in the supports, a phased activation of the supports was implemented into the model. Before the result of the finite element model can be used for comparison to the experiments, the reaction forces in the model are compared to the measured reaction forces. The finite element model performs well and can be used to study the distribution width of the peak shear stress.
