Design and Optimization of Reinforced Concrete Slabs by using Non-Traditional Optimization Techniques

Abstract

This research paper gives a detailed summary of the optimal design of reinforced concrete slabs using different codal provisions namely ACI, Indian, Euro codes which are presently available and also predicts the failure pattern by using finite element analysis simply supported, reinforced concrete slabs under uniformly distributed loading. In order to check the result obtained, a model of the slab is done in concrete and the tests on five slabs have been performed of values which was optimized using the non-traditional optimization techniques by writing a separate code in Matlab. The results obtained after the optimization technique produces a reasonable and acceptable solution. One hundred and forty five simply supported RC slabs have been designed adopting M 25 grade concrete and Fe 500 grade steel and using yield line theory and Bacterial Foraging Optimization Technique. A live load of 2.5kN per square metre was considered. The ratio of Ultimate moment of resistance of slab with respect to x and y axis, μ, was varied from 0 to 1. The length of the slab was varied from 3m to 6m and L/b ratio from 1 to 2.0. The value of μ that results in the most economical solution has been found out.