Bubble Deck slabs are an innovative construction technology designed to optimize material usage and reduce slab weight through strategically placed elliptical voids. Traditional analysis methods struggle to accurately model these complex geometries and their nonlinear behavior under load. This study explores the numerical homogenization of bubble deck slabs, which incorporate elliptical voids to reduce weight and material usage while maintaining structural integrity. These slabs, characterized by lower and upper mesh reinforcement, present a complex cross-sectional geometry that benefits from advanced numerical methods for accurate modeling.

This study employs numerical homogenization techniques based on the finite element method to transform the complex geometry of bubble deck slabs into an equivalent homogeneous layer. To account for the nonlinear (plastic) behavior of the material, the General Nonlinear Constitutive Law (GNCL) is integrated into the homogenization process. The combination of these methods enables a detailed representation of the slabs' structural response. The homogenization process successfully reduced the complex bubble deck geometry to a simplified model that retains the critical nonlinear characteristics. The results indicate that this approach can accurately predict the structural behavior under various loading conditions, including those leading to nonlinear deformation (due to cracking, etc.).

This research demonstrates that combining numerical homogenization with the GNCL provides a robust framework for analyzing bubble deck slabs. The methodology allows for accurate and efficient structural analysis, promoting material efficiency and structural performance. Future research will focus on extending this approach to other complex slab geometries and incorporating additional loading scenarios. This study underscores the potential for advanced numerical methods to enhance the design and analysis of innovative structural elements, contributing to more sustainable and economical construction practices.