Numerical validation of reinforced concrete one-way slabs under long-term loading using nonlinear finite element analysis

The significance of long-term deflection is emphasized as a crucial factor in design, particularly for reinforced concrete one-way slabs. This paper presents a computational framework for the prediction the long-term deflection and crack width in reinforced concrete one-way slabs. Nonlinear finite element software (Diana FEA) was used to build three models using three commonly used codes: Eurocode 2 (EC2, 2004), Fib Model Code (FIb, 2010), and American Concrete Institute (ACI 209R-92) and validate numerical models by comparing them with the previous experimental work of three simply supported one-way slabs on a real scale with different amounts of reinforcement and load applied to each one. The focus of the investigation is on calculating long-term deflection and crack width in two different regions in reinforced concrete one-way slabs under sustained loading for up to 400 days of loading by focusing specifically on the effects of creep, shrinkage, and loss of tension stiffening. The study outcome shows that the Fib Model Code is more reliable than the other codes when it comes to predicting the long-term deflection and crack width, consistently exhibiting superior conformity to experimental results with error percentages below 4% at the end of loading period. while Eurocode 2 initially overestimates early loading and gradually reduces it at the end of the loading period. In addition, ACI Code shows lower error percentages in early loading but significantly underestimates at the end of loading.