Structural Analysis and Simulation of Innovative Composite Building Consisting of LGS and Load Bearing Ferrocast Wall Panels Using FEM

Abstract

In the construction of any structure, the most important factor considered today are cost of construction and ability of the building to resist loads and earthquakes. Research is going on about various precast composite technologies to get a structurally strong system yet with reduced time and cost of construction, thus making it an affordable structural system for modular construction. Considering these factors, light gauge steel or commonly known as cold formed steel and precast ferrocement composite structures are gaining popularity in the Indian construction industry. This article is an attempt to review structural behaviour of innovative use of LGS and Ferrocement, sandwich panel composite construction. In the present research work, Finite Element analysis is done for typical residential building made of precast ferrocement panels combined with light gauge steel composite structure. Finally, stresses in the ferrocement element are checked with experimental values thus determining the load carrying capacity of the structure subjected to dead, live and seismic loads. Overall proving this load bearing composite construction system to be more effective with respect to speed of construction, cost of construction and affordability at the same time enhanced structural performance. Thus, a practically enhanced solution to substitute the conventional RCC structure is possible using this LGS Ferrocast/ferrocement composite construction technology. The assumption for this composite technology is that all ferrocement structural components are factory made in custom sizes under strict quality control as to achieve desired permissible stresses.

Keywords

• finite element analysis
• light gauge steel
• ferrocement composite
• permissible stresses
• earthquake resistance
• affordable housing construction