Finite element mesh size

[spspro]

Hello, any advice about mesh size calculating the RC panel. I tried mesh size from 0,2m to 1m and I got quite difference results, and if mesh size is small- 0,2m, I get a big amount of reinforcement, but only in a very small area (0,2x0,2m). 

What is the optimal size of mesh calculating RS panels? Thanks

[tony.ridley]

Fine mesh is more accurate but takes longer to calculate.  

You need to find a good balance between speed and accuracy.  

[igos · Accepted solution]

Hello, I'm using following rules for the RC slabs:

a = min(2h;(1/10)*l), where

a - element size;

h - thickness of the slab;

l - span of the slab.

Also, after meshing you have to estimate mesh quality (check for triangles with acute angle and for elementswith quite small ratio = a1/a2, where a1 - the smaller dimension of element, a2 - the bigger dimension of element)

[spspro]

thanks igos

[igos]

spspro,

You are welcome, also I can recommend you this quite useful guide: http://www.2shared.com/file/0GSMZ7D8/How-to-Design-rc-Flat-Slabs-Us.html

[joseph.a.abouzeid]

Hi egos, would you mind telling me how did you get this formula?

a = min(2h;(1/10)*l)