Nonlinear Layered Formulation: Modeling Reinforced Concrete Semi-Precast Slabs

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Abstract

Semi-precast reinforced concrete slab systems enhance construction efficiency by substantially reducing on-site formwork. Construction involves two primary phases: (1) off-site fabrication of semi-precast components and (2) on-site casting of a concrete topping. The interfacial bond strength between the precast base and the cast-in-place overlay is a critical factor governing the composite system's performance. This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation to evaluate the effect of surface treatment techniques on the flexural behavior of semi-precast RC slabs. A novel six-node triangular layered finite element approach is developed, incorporating material nonlinearity through an enhanced global-local plate formulation. The method employs a cross-sectional discretization strategy, decomposing the slab into distinct material layers where concrete and steel are modeled as discrete plate elements with individual constitutive laws. The computational framework utilizes a decoupled treatment of displacement fields and transverse stresses, facilitating accurate nodal stress evaluation via integrated constitutive models. Spatial discretization is achieved using a C ¹-continuous six-node triangular element, with governing equations derived from a partially mixed variation principle. Validation through benchmark cases demonstrates the method’s robustness, with ultimate deflection errors below 4.68% and reaching 0.5% accuracy in optimal scenarios. The proposed triangular layered finite element method achieves superior accuracy and computational efficiency compared to conventional approaches.

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1. Introduction The use of precast reinforced concrete (RC) systems has greatly enhanced construction productivity by optimizing project timelines and costs [1; 2]. Subsequently, researchers have refined semi-precast slab methods to tackle ongoing industry challenges [3; 4]. Accurate prediction of the structural performance of semi-precast reinforced concrete systems is essential for optimizing cost-efficiency and ensuring safety in design applications [5]. However, the complex composite behavior of these systems, particularly at the interface, poses significant challenges in modeling their nonlinear response, making it an active area of research in structural engineering [6-8]. The finite element (FE) method has established itself as the predominant technique for this nonlinear analysis, demonstrating greater effectiveness than alternative
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About the authors

Dara A. Mawlood

Siberian Federal University

Author for correspondence.
Email: dara.mawloud@univsul.edu.iq
ORCID iD: 0009-0003-2819-3107

master student, Department of Building Structures and Controlled Systems, Institute of Civil Engineering

79 Svobodny аv., Krasnoyarsk, 660041, Russia Federation

Alexandr A. Koyankin

Siberian Federal University

Email: KoyankinAA@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5271-9904
SPIN-code: 2779-8314

Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Building Structures and Controlled Systems, Institute of Civil Engineering

79 Svobodny аv., Krasnoyarsk, 660041, Russia Federation

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