Average peak values

The example consists of a simple plate imposed on four fixed supports. These fixed supports can represent for instance columns.

This plate is calculated linearly with the only load case being the self weight.

The results for the reinforcement moment on the top m_{x, D+} show the expected peak values at the supports.

Several things can be done to reduce the peak values.

At first the supports are made flexible.

Subsequently, the results can be averaged by means of averaging strips.

We choose an averaging strip around a point with a length and width of 2 m. The direction in which the averaging is done, is set on both directions. In the reference manual you can also find an elaborated explanation about how to use the redistribution strips (with examples).

To indicate that the redistribution strip is taken into account for the representation of the results, you also have to tick on the ‘averaging of peak’ in the properties window of the results.

The result looks like this:

The averaging strips help to average the peak values, but still the result is not satisfying.

That’s why we proceed with a better modelling of the supports. The supports are modelled better as surface supports than as point supports (in reality the columns are not points, but they have a surface).

To do this, a subregion has to be made in the plate where the column has to arise. To this subregion, a subsoil is attributed. You can set the right rigidity properties to the subsoil, calculated from the rigidity of the column. The point support has to be removed afterwards.

This has the following results (only the support bottom left has been replaced by a flexible subsoil).

Notice that the peak stresses no longer arise at that location.

Working with a flexible subsoil instead of a point support, results in a better modelling of the reality. The arising of peak stresses is also reduced considerably.