Finite Element Software Analysis FEA FEM Design Reinforced Concrete BS8110

Leading analysis and design software

	FEM-Design Plate
	Download full brochure in PDF format
	Watch the screen video
	Links to case studies : 12

Finite element software for analysis and design

FEM-Design Plate is a graphical user-friendly program which will revolutionise the way you design concrete slabs.

Slab geometries can be generated by importing DWG or DXF files from AutoCAD, by using the program's own CAD tools, or by using the 'wizard' to generate regular slabs. The slabs can then be developed to include regions of different or varying thicknesses. Also beams, columns and walls can be added.

Loading is then applied to the structure graphically including point, line and patch loads of any geometry. You then make combinations of your loads and the slab is ready to analyse.
FEM automatically creates a finite element mesh for your slab and then moves on to do an analysis (including cracked section analysis) and design to BS8110, EC2 or a range of other European codes. An initial calculation provides required bending reinforcement in mm2/m displayed all over the slab, together with the corresponding punching shear capacities, deflections and crack widths.

"We have found the FEM software to be an effective tool for analysis of flat slabs. Constructing the model of the structure and applying loads is straightforward and, more importantly, the ability to easily incorporate subsequent design changes in to the model allows the software to be used effectively throughout the entire design development."

Senior Engineer
Bolton Priestley

Required Reinforcement

The above diagram shows the required reinforcement on the bottom face in different areas of the slab. The darker colours indicate increased reinforcement needs.

Missing Reinforcement

On the basis of the above results the use can define a practical layout of reinforcement adjusted in respect of the punching shear, deflections and crack widths. The diagram above shows the display of the 'missing reinforcement', the difference between the required and applied reinforcement. Areas coloured red represent areas which require additional reinforcement, areas coloured green represent areas where the applied reinforcement is adequate.

Applied Reinforcement

Additional reinforcement can then be applied to the slab where needed until the reinforcement is shown to be adequate everywhere. Working in this way generally leads to great economies in the total amount of reinforcement used.

Slabs which traditionally have taken over a week to design can be done in a matter of hours. The diagrams can then be exported as a DWG or DXF file to be opened by your draughtsmen as a basis for a final detailed drawing of the slab.

For more information on finite element software please visit the dedicated FEM-Design website at www.fem-design.com

^ Top

"));