Discrete mechanical modeling of planar structures subjected to out-of-plane loading

Many applications of planar concrete structures and other thin laminated cement-based composites involve the potential for out-of-plane loading. For such loading cases, structural response is highly sensitive to the positioning of reinforcement within the narrow cross-section. Herein, a novel extension of the Voronoi-cell lattice model (VCLM), which is a particle-type lattice model, is proposed to simulate the behavior of planar structural elements subjected to out-of-plane loading. Based on a two-dimensional network of nodes, a layered assembly of the element cross-sections provides a three-dimensional description of section behavior, while accommodating general forms of loading. The associated reduction in computational expense greatly extends the range of potential modeling applications. The efficacy of this layered Voronoi-cell lattice model (L-VCLM) is demonstrated through elastic stress analysis, plastic limit analysis and simulations of ferrocement panels under flexural loading. For this last case, influences of anchoring efficiency and positioning of the reinforcement within the narrow cross-section are directly simulated. Envisaged applications to other thin structural elements, including those containing textile reinforcement, are described.