Triangular Layered Finite Element Method for Reinforced Concrete Slabs

This study presents an advanced layered triangular finite element method for modeling reinforced concrete (RC) slabs, incorporating material nonlinearity based on a refined global-local plate theory. The RC slab's cross-section is discretized into concrete and steel layers, each modeled as an individual plate element with distinct material properties. The proposed formulation independently considers displacement field variables and out-of-plane stress components, enabling precise nodal stress determination through constitutive relationships. A three-node triangular element maintaining C1-continuity is employed for spatial discretization, with governing equations derived using a triangular layered plate theory. Benchmark verification studies confirm the method’s computational accuracy and efficiency, with ultimate deflection predictions exhibiting errors ranging from 2.59% (minimum) to 11.2% (maximum). Comprehensive numerical tests demonstrate that the proposed triangular layered finite element approach delivers high-precision solutions while significantly reducing computational expense.