2. Overview
• Two models of the concrete block
• Setup in Abaqus
• Tests that were ran to analyze the designs
• Problems encountered during analysis
• Solutions to issues
• Results
• Questions
3. Two Designs of the Concrete Block
Base Model Keyway Model
4. Setup in Abaqus
• Imported a SolidWorks model into Abaqus
• Set concrete properties and applied them to the model
• Determined the applied forces to best analyze the two
models of blocks
Concrete Material Properties
Elastic Yeild Strength Poisson's Ratio
3.1027E+10 0.2
Concrete Damaged Plasticity Yield Stress Cracking Strain
2.90E+06 0
1943930 6.6185E-05
1303050 0.00012286
873463 0.000173427
Concrete Tension Damage Damage Parameter Cracking Strain
0 0
0.381217 6.6185E-05
0.617107 0.00012286
0.763072 0.000173427
5. Tests that were ran to analyze the
designs
• Focused on what would be the weakest points
– Pressures experienced by the bottom block in a
complete assembly
– Forces pushing outwards on the pegs to simulate
handling and installation
– Forces pushing inwards on the pegs to simulate
handling and dropping of the block
6. Problems Encountered in Analysis
• Concentrated forces failed due to “too much
time spent on an increment”
• Issues meshing the Keyway Block due to
difficult geometries and node distortion
• Generating identical forces on both geometries
7. Solutions to Concentrated forces
• Changed the concentrated forces to pressure
over the entire face of the peg
• Changed the number of increments for the step
in the job
8. Solutions to meshing the Keyway Block
• The first solution was to use the cutting tool in
the part tab and divide the block into multiple
parts
– This allowed us to mesh each part individually
– The bottom up meshing technique was used for
the difficult shapes
• The second solution was to adjust and change
the model in SolidWorks to have a better
geometry for Abaqus
