Abstract:
Nonlinear nite element (FE) simulation was employed to look into the behavior of at slab-column connections exposed to
lateral cyclic loading. e study focused on the e ect of drop panel and concrete grade by taking into consideration the element
size sensitivity on the response of the joint. e study considered twelve specimens for the investigation. Four concrete grades
having a magnitude of 47.7, 60, 75, and 90 MPa were selected. ree element sizes of 30 mm, 40 mm, and 60 mm were undertaken
to access the mesh size sensitivity of the outputs. Six specimens are with drop panels, and others are without drop panels. e
concrete-damaged plasticity model has been used to model the specimens. Reduced eight noded bricks (C3D8R) and two noded
trusses (T3D2) elements have been used for modeling concrete and steel, respectively. Cracking pattern, slab vertical de ection,
strain distribution, ductility, load-drift ratio, cracking load capacity, yielding load capacity, and ultimate load capacity are the main
outputs of the FE simulation. e study con rmed a considerable increase in load-carrying capacity and a decrease in ductility as
the concrete grade increased. In another way, the load-carrying capacity and ductility were slightly increased and decreased,
respectively, as the slab-column connection is provided with a drop panel. As element size decreases, the result obtained becomes
more realistic
