Hello everyone,
I am currently working on a FEM model of a ribbed slab using Karamba3D in Grasshopper, and I am facing a challenge regarding the load transfer at the column supports.
My Model Setup:
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The slab consists of a top plate, a bottom plate, and connecting ribs.
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Every part is modeled using Shell Elements.
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I am using Point Supports at the corner points of the lower plate.
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Around each support, I have defined an oval curve that represents the actual physical size of the column head / punching shear area.
Model:
Column head position/punching shear area:
My Goal: I need the area within these oval curves to act as a solid, monolithic block over the entire height of the slab (connecting the top and bottom plates and the ribs). I want to avoid stress singularities at the single point support and ensure a statically correct load distribution (simulating punching shear area).
Since Karamba3D does not support standard 3D solid elements for this kind of mixed geometry, what is the best workflow to achieve this?