Samenvatting

The following paper refers to the final thesis for the curriculum at HZ University of Applied Science and was carried out at the request of the Italian firm Aig Associati and Partner.
The structural team of the architecture and engineering firm requested a study on the most effective and least time-consuming expedient to be applied in modelling a reinforced concrete flat slab using the finite element method.

Although the most important requirement in this subject is time reduction, the application of the solution has been considered. As a matter of fact, with the fundamental idea that the final approach should demonstrate ease of application for every engineer and technician in the company and beyond, convenience of modelling and recreation along with the added skills required became important criteria of this project.

In addition, as will be explored further in this report, the lack of the ability to include specific bodies, describing the hollow plastic casing identified as a lightening body, posed a challenge. Thus, expedients that would recreate the physical element and its behavioural pattern in real life were carefully considered. Therefore, it was essential to apply a model that would accurately recreate the real-life element, naturally within the established limits.

Three concepts were identified and, with the help of a hierarchical analytical process of the multiple-choice criteria analysis type, the final solution was chosen. After the decision-making phase, the winning approach was implemented in the structural method of analysis of the building of this development, performed with the finite element program "SOFiSTiK."

The conclusion shows that the choice of implementing a system of riveted elements in the structure brought many advantages in terms of cost and safety requirements. In fact, by reducing the overall selfweight of the building, a reduction in construction material was identified for both the upper part of the structure and the underground construction elements.

A great benefit was also delivered with regard to the action of a seismic event on the structure. In addition, the final design considered all requirements for the following research, meeting the minimum requirements imposed by the Eurocodes and the Italian annexes.