Analysis of reinforced concrete reservoirs using different models

Abstract

This project aims to study the differences in the determination of the efforts involved in projects of reservoirs, using three different models. The first one is the simplified calculation that uses the most famous manual tables. It is a model widely used in practice, even if unrealistic, due to the disconnection between the adjacent membranes that involve the reservoir. The other two models are more realistic because they consider the monolithic unity between adjacent slabs. Thus, the second model is based on using spatial frame element formulation and, in the case that it is supported on the ground, it is considered the Winkler model, and this analysis is done using commercial software developed for analysis and design of reinforced concrete, called TQS. The other model is based on the finite element method and it will be used shell finite elements for simulating the reservoir and, in the case of supported by the soil, it will consider its influence using solid finite elements. For this last model is applied the commercial program named ANSYS. The great potential of this project for the student is that he will be familiar with different possibilities of modeling a type of structure and the final implications on the results in using each of them, and he will be in contact with two important engineering commercial software, which will be interesting to complement his professional formation. (AU)