Foundation slab thicker in some areas

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I am tryin to modelize a foundation slab than is "reinforced" just under the columns, is thicker. Is like a slab resting above regular square foundations. See the screenshot:

What is the best way to modelize? I have read many threads about slab thickening and slab above slabs, but I think that this problem has a different hue.

I am thinking in modeling with many square foundation slabs and putting one foundation slab over them, connecting all with rigids links. But I don not know if it is necessary.

Could you guide me, please?

Thanks in advance

[Rafal.Gaweda]

Up to you.
But I think creating thicker panel "in" thinner one is enough, especially if you want to calculate reinforcement in it.

[Anonymous]

When you say ”in”, do you mean overlaping? For example, if thickness are 0.5 and 1m, create a thin panel with thickness from z=0 to z=-0.5 and small square panels from z=0 to z=-1 (instead of from z=-0.5 to z=-1)
Thank you very much!!

[Rafal.Gaweda · Accepted solution]

I mean this:

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much. I am comparing results between different models. I calculate the reinforcement "by hand" with the results' maps.

Only clarify an issue with thicknesses. I think that the thicker shell has to be moved down to make match the top of the two panels.

                         

Thank you again!

[Rafal.Gaweda · Accepted solution]

As you like.

In such case:
take meshed model indicated on left screen shot
copy thicker panel down
make Opening from "upper thicker" panel
connect all pairs of edge nodes by rigid links

[Anonymous]

I wasn't sure that results were the same, but I have tried and they are

Using rigid links is more tedious, so I will make it your way.

Thanks