A parametric study using Non-Linear Finite Element Analysis (NLFEA) was carried out to investigate the response of slabs on grade to industrial trucks with single wheel axles loading. The studied parameters were the load position in relation to slab edges, slab proportions, the reinforcement content, method of reinforcement arrangement, and the modulus of subgrade reaction. The subgrade is represented in the analysis by boundary-spring elements of a non-tension model to simulate the soil-resistance characteristics. The study showed that the load-carrying capacity of slab panels is substantially influenced by panel thickness and, to a lesser extent, the modulus of subgrade reaction. It was found that adequate and practical results can be obtained in case the safety factor of bearing capacity was assigned a value close to 7. In addition, increasing the modulus of the subgrade reaction enhanced the slab strength to some extent. The enhancement diminished with increasing the subgrade modulus beyond 2E-2 N/mm3. Moreover, the reinforcement content had a negligible effect. Applying a linear finite element procedure to the range of slab panels investigated, yielded, in general, acceptable load-carrying capacities as compared to the results of NLFEA. |
