ABSTRACT

This work introduced a numerical modelling of bending analysis of plates, continuous in two perpendicular directions. The model involved a finite element analysis including the design of mesh to determine the responses (deflection and stresses) of a typical two way plate These w ere synthesized in a finite element MATLAB program for the model The aim of the model was to develop coefficients for the internal stresses and displacements that could be used for two-way design of plates. By using a unit value of distributed load, moment coefficients for SSCS. CSCS. SSSC, CCCC, CCSS and CCSC were obtained for various aspect ratios ranging from 10 to 2.0. The analytical results of the two-way typical plate were compared to the British standard (BS8110) and the Indian standard (IS456) codes as well as that of the exact solution by Timoshenko and Woinowsky-Kxieger (1959). Finally, comparison was done for the coefficients of deflection and moments at various aspect ratios for the typical two-way plates and the ideal plates for different support conditions. From the comparison with the BSXI10 and IS456 it was observed that the maximum center moment (Mx) percentage difference recorded for SSSC and SCCS were 7 2% and 13.3% respectively; their center moment (My) vary above 25%. However, SSCS, CSCS, CCCC and CCSC had maximum center moment difference greater than 25%. These differences is due to the fact that the BSX110 and IS456 moment coefficients have been modified by factors or safety for design purposes while the coefficients obtained in this research work are results of pure and unmodified elastic analysis. Comparing the analytical results of the typical plate with the exact solution by Timoshenko and Woinowsky it was seen that SSCS, CSCS and CCSC recorded maximum center moment difference of 8 4%, 10.9% and 15.7% respectively. However. SSSC and CCCC showed maximum center moment variation of 84.6% and 24.5% respectively These differences are likely to disappear on refining the mesh The analytical results of the typical plate showed good agreement with the results obtained for the ideal plate in the deflection coefficients but the moment coefficients varied Based on the results of analysis, bending moment coefficients were proposed for the design of two-way plates in Nigeria.