Comparative Analysis of In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Bending Benchmarks Using Two Finite Element Packages

An essential aspect of design from the perspective of structural strength is the reliability of the results obtained during the computations for the analyzed model. Among various skills in numerical analysis, an engineer should be able to independently verify the quality of the available software using benchmarks already at the level of statics. An effective method of such verification is comparing the test results obtained from two different packages. The paper discusses three structure-oriented benchmarks for in-plane and out-of-plane bending of a flat membrane and a slab, respectively. The computations are carried out using the Robot and Midas finite element tools. These simulation tests are selected to present issues related to the modeling of bending, which is crucial for reliable design: the convergence of the solution for a cantilever, the possibility of a reduction in slab moments above columns, and the interaction effects between the beam and the plate, depending on their position and connection in the model. It is shown that, in finite element calculations, attention must be paid to avoiding errors due to improper data input and software option settings, leading to incorrect simulation results, which may negatively impact the design process. A proper understanding of software tools, for example, through benchmark verification, ensures their conscious use in developing more complex structural models.