Mesh Sensitivity Study

Slab Details => 8m x 8m x 200mm thick

E = 15kN/mm2
` Density = 2400kg/m3
Applied Pressure = 10kN/m2

Boundary conditions simply supported.

2 x 2 element mesh

Max displacement at centre => 17.88mm

Vertical Reaction sum => 943.1kN
Shell section moment => 15.76kNm/m
4 x 4 element mesh

Max displacement at centre => 21.95mm

Vertical Reaction sum => 943.1kN
Shell Section Moment => 38.47 kNm/m

6 x 6 element mesh

Max displacement at centre => 22.23mm

Vertical Reaction sum => 943.1kN
Shell Section Moment => 42.25 kNm/m
8 x 8 element mesh

Max displacement at centre => 22.33mm

Vertical Reaction sum => 943.1kN
Shell Section Moment => 43.57 kNm/m

Comparison

Mesh Central Section Vertical Comment

deflection (mm) Moment Reactions
(kNm/m) (kN)
2x2 17.88 15.76 943.1
4x4 21.95 38.47 943.1
6x6 22.23 42.25 943.1 About 5% Here
8x8 22.33 43.57 943.1

Actual deflection from other sources => 22.3mm