Hei.

I am writing a master thesis about topology optimization. In the thesis I am looking specifically at a reinforced concrete staircase. First of all i want to run the FEA on the staircase, and then later compare the results with the TO design. The problem is my lack of knowledge of Abaqus, and was hoping someone here maybe have some input. I will add the .cae file, and would really appreciate it if anyone could take a look at it - and give some tips and inputs.

How is it best to modell the boundary conditions in Abaqus?

I am also having a hard time making the concrete and the rebar to work together. The constraint I have added is Embedded region, is this the right approach?

The results are also just showing positive von Mises stresses. Should there not be both positive and negative, due to tension and compression?

What type of mesh are recommended for structural analysis?

Best regards Bjørnar