Techno Press
Techno Press

Computers and Concrete
  Volume 37, Number 2, February 2026 , pages 247-272
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/cac.2026.37.2.247
 


Numerical modeling and analysis of fiber-reinforced lightweight hollow core slabs under variable flexure-to-shear ratios
Sumit Sahoo, Rami A. Hawileh, Jamal A. Abdalla, Adeeb Rahman

 
Abstract
    This research investigates the performance of fibre-reinforced lightweight hollow core slabs under varying flexure-to-shear ratios using numerical simulations. A three-dimensional finite element model is developed to replicate the response of the HCS having dimensions of 3400 mm length, 600 mm width, and 150 mm depth subjected to four-point bending tested at shear span to depth (a/d) ratios of 3.5, 7 and 10. The nonlinear FE analysis is conducted using ABAQUS software and validated against experimental results from previously tested fibre-reinforced lightweight hollow core slabs available in the literature. The numerical model accurately predicts load-deflection behavior and failure modes demonstrating good agreement with experimental findings. Additionally, the FE analysis provides insights into crack patterns and failure modes of hollow core slabs. Moreover, the validated numerical model is used to investigate the impact of various factors such as the effects of change in the reinforcement ratio, depth of the HCS, size of the hollow core, shape of the hollow core and a/d ratio on the load capacity of the fibre-reinforced lightweight hollow core slabs. Increasing the reinforcement ratio and slab depth substantially enhanced both cracking and ultimate load capacities. The core diameter had a significant influence on strength only in shear-dominant specimens (a/d<=3.5), while it was negligible in flexure-dominant cases. These findings demonstrate that the developed FE model can serve as a reliable tool for optimizing the design of FRLWHCS systems.
 
Key Words
    fibre reinforced concrete; finite element analysis; hollow core slab; lightweight aggregate; the concrete damage plasticity model
 
Address
Sumit Sahoo, Rami A. Hawileh, Jamal A. Abdalla: Department of Civil Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Adeeb Rahman: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, United States
 

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