Finite element modeling of tessellated beams

Abstract Tessellated Structural-Architectural (TeSA) systems are composed of repeated tiles that can interconnect, be designed to have load carrying capacity, and are aesthetically pleasing. TeSA systems may localize damage to few tiles when subjected to extreme loads, may facilitate easier or faster reparability, and contribute to resilience. This research investigates numerical modeling of simply supported TeSA beams. Finite Element (FE) analysis was performed and the results were validated using experiments of TeSA beams made of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). The FE analysis incorporated gaps and interaction between tiles. The results showed that contact properties and gap size between tiles affected the calculated load-displacement relationship and strain of the TeSA beam. Contact properties were captured by a pressure-overclosure relationship, which required calibration using the global load-displacement response obtained from testing. Incorporation of geometric nonlinearity did not affect the results significantly. Beams with varying friction coefficient between tiles, load and support bearing width, Poisson's ratio and aspect ratios were analyzed. The results showed that TeSA beams had smaller stiffness than solid beams with similar dimensions. The outcomes of this research provide insights on the behavior and modeling of TeSA structures.