PSI - Issue 73

Veronika Valašková et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 73 (2025) 155–162 Author name / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2025) 000–000

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Fig. 9. Vertical displacement at the time t = 1.542 s.

Fig. 10. Normal stress σ zz at the time t = 1.542 s.

4. Conclusions Single layer FEM computational models of the concrete pavement were created in two variants. The concrete slab was modelled using shell elements or solid elements. Both approaches were compared considering the vertical deflection in the middle of the slab. The use of both shell and solid finite elements is common in practical applications and in modelling using software based on the finite element method. However, it is essential to understand the underlying mathematical framework, the capabilities, and the numerical solvers associated with each type of element. As demonstrated in this study, the accuracy of shell and solid elements in contact-based dynamic problems is nearly equivalent when applied to similar cases. Nevertheless, if the focus is on a detailed internal analysis of the component, the use of solid elements is necessary. On the other hand, if only global results are of interest (such as displacements or reaction forces), shell