Speakers
Description
A hybrid numerical method was utilized by applying the Lattice Discrete Element Method (LDEM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM) in Abaqus/Explicit. The main beam and slab are represented by LDEM so that micromechanical detail of elastic behavior and initiation mechanisms of fracture can be described. Supports and crossbeams, are modeled with FEM because experimental observation does not reveal any damage; hence, modeling with FEM at these locations ensures computational economy without compromising representativity. Models for dynamic analysis have been reduced to a full beam, half-beam, and quarter-beam model by mirror operations such that the symmetries are preserved. Natural frequencies and the corresponding mode shapes as obtained numerically have been compared with their experimentally obtained counterparts. Comparisons with the experiment showed good correlation of the natural frequencies and vibration modes, hence validating the methodology adopted for this stage of elastic evaluation as well as presenting a front for potential use in future applications concerning crack analysis and propagation of failure, and three-point and four- point static bending tests.