Finite element analysis of punching shear of R/C slabs: a hybrid approach for model calibration

3D finite element analyses of punching failure of R/C flat slabs were performed using the well-known computer code ABAQUS, adopting the damaged-plasticity model. Generally, the calibration of a nonlinear FE model cannot be grounded on a single test only, but it requires data from different tests to be reliable and usable to develop a parametric analysis at varying main mechanical variables. In this paper the authors introduce a hybrid method, where the FE model is calibrated on both experimental data and analytical models. The proposed method allows for a fewer number of tests to be performed for the calibration of the FE model, as its reliability for mechanical parameters different from those utilized in the experimental campaign is checked by comparison with results of analytical models.