Iris Publishers - Journal of Civil Engineering Practical Design and Modelling of Precast Concrete Structures Precast concrete structures are conventionally designed using manual methods and simplified numerical tools, e.g. linear finite element analysis, hence, structures are often far too conservative thus wasting con- crete and reinforcement. Moreover, the quality of the design is to a large degree reliant on the skill and engineering intuition of the structural engineer. Finite element limit analysis provides a framework for efficient analysis using mathematical programming. Plane stress elements for modelling precast panels are reviewed and a composite model for reinforced concrete is presented. A four storey shear wall is analyzed using the commercial software Optum Concrete Solution: The model includes mesh reinforcement, column- and beam reinforcement, stringers and joints, and the limit load is calculated in a matter of seconds. The example displays that...
