A novel finite element method for designing floor slabs on grade and pavements with loads at edges

Abstract

In the present paper a methodology to design slabs on grade for industrial floors and pavements using bi-dimensional finite elements and integrating the subgrade in the design is presented. The suggested method to design slabs on grade for industrial floors and pavements has been called the Camero Finite Element Method. An example of an industrial floor designed to be capable of sustaining an infinite number of load applications (or a 50 years lifespan period) is here presented in order to be compared with the results of the Camero Finite Element Method, the PCA (Portland Cement Association), and the WRI’s (Wire Reinforcement Institute) simplified methods. In this example, an industrial floor is designed to be capable of sustaining an infinite number of load applications comparing the results of the Camero Finite Element Method and the simplified methods of the PCA and WRI. The industrial floor or pavement will be able to resist an infinite number of load applications if it is designed with the Camero Finite Element Method. On the other hand, if it is designed using the PCA and the WRI methods, it will last a few years (in this example, in one year period, the number of axle load applications is equal to the number of allowable repetitions). To conclude, if an industrial floor o pavement is designed with the Camero Finite Element Method, it will be able to sustain an infinite number of load applications (up to 50 years lifespan period).

Keywords

• Floor slab on grade
• industrial floor slab
• Portland Cement Association
• wire reinforcement institute
• slab design on grade
• floor design
• industrial floor slab
• concrete floor
• concrete slab on grade
• pavement
• rigid pavement
• Camero finite element metho