Finite Element Modeling of Precast

Diaphragms Concrete and Their

Connections
Raj Joshi, Astha Jhawar, Megharima Datta, Ashwin Parihar,
and Ubaid L. Hanfee

Abstract The precast concrete building’s structures are high superiority and speedy
construction with the assurance of durability. In addition, there would be a reduction
in site labor, formwork, and possible damage during earthquake. Probably due to
lack of understanding of the basic nature of precast concrete during earthquake
these could not get a place in India till recent past. In fact, with available tools and
design philosophies designer of precast concrete structures can create a structure
which will not only survive an earthquake but also will be subjected to a very little, if
any, damage. The main objectives of this study work are the connections for different
options of precast concrete floor unit in building situated in seismic zone for different
aspect ratios and determine if precast concrete structures were more susceptible to
earthquake damages, due to poor floor connections, to make the recommendations
to Codal provision to improve the performance of these structural systems in future
seismic events with the help of software.

Keywords Diaphragm connections · Precast concrete · Connections · Diaphragm

1 Introduction

Precast concrete during earthquake could not get a place in India till recent past.
In fact, with available tools and design philosophies designer of precast concrete
structures can create a structure which will not only survive an earthquake but also will
be subjected to a very little, if any, damage. Desirable for this is the expertise and limit
of tolerance in construction practice. A careful attention is also needed in conceptual
design, detailed design, fabrication, transport, erection, jointing, and overall quality
assurance. Another important issue to keep in mind is internal force paths in the
different stages during construction. This research focuses on the role of diaphragm

R. Joshi (B) · M. Datta · A. Parihar · U. L. Hanfee

Medi-Caps University, Indore, India
e-mail: rajjoshi2103@hotmail.com
A. Jhawar
MJP Government Polytechnic College, Khandwa, India

© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021 243

K. K. Pathak et al. (eds.), Recent Trends in Civil Engineering, Lecture Notes
in Civil Engineering 77, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-5195-6_19
244 R. Joshi et al.

and their connections for precast concrete structures within the lateral force resisting
system. The main objectives of this technical Paper are To study the connections
for different options of precast concrete floor unit in building situated in seismic
zone for different aspect ratios. To determine, if precast concrete structures were
more susceptible to earthquake damages, due to poor floor connections, to make the
recommendations to Codal provision to improve the performance of these structural
systems in future seismic events. To model the precast structure with the help of
software [7], the future of precast concrete diaphragms needs to lay its focus on the
inter-panel ductile detailing of connections. The success or failures of current design
code across the globe on precast concrete diaphragms are to be studied in detail after
an earthquake to further reinforce the trust on these recommendations. Experimental
procedures with such detail should be structures, and Indian construction standard
needs to be developed for their localized behavior. Inter-panel diaphragms being
performed elsewhere in the world due to the increased use of precast structures
must be suitably adapted to Indian conditions. These are certain challenges which
need to be addressed in the time to come. Indian standards of construction do not
provide significant importance to seismic design of precast construction. Some of
the issues which need immediate attention in the Indian construction standards have
been identified as mentioned below.
Indian standards provide guidelines for design and construction of precast
concrete structures. No specific guidelines are provided for reinforcement and design
of precast concrete floor slabs with lateral loads, i.e., seismic design of precast
concrete diaphragms, especially for the hollow core slabs. Precast floor diaphragms
are to be classified based on their construction and behavior requirements to provide
an easy and suitable selection option to the designer [7].
No specific guidelines are provided for connection of precast concrete diaphragm
with lateral loads, i.e., seismic design of precast concrete diaphragms connection.
Lateral loads on floor systems due to earthquakes and wind is an untouched topic
in Indian standards, and there are no provisions for obtaining the diaphragm forces.
The guidelines to obtain diaphragm forces from the base shear distributions need to
be included in the Indian standards for precast construction. The Uniform Building
Code provides these specifications as [6]


n
Ft + Fi
i=x
F px w px (1)

n
Wi
i=x

In G+3, manual design precast building connection provided were not appropriate
due to which building were damaged. In present work modifications in the connec-
tions are suggested to high seismic forces. Detail drawing has been shown in the
Figs. 1 and 2.
Further, a floor system is designed as a one-way or two-way slab with similar
reinforcement following Indian standards, but diaphragms require dedicated chord,
Finite Element Modeling of Precast Diaphragms Concrete … 245

Fig. 1 Typical connections of beam, column, and slab [4, 5]

Fig. 2 Elevation of G+3

web, and collector reinforcements. There is a need to provide guidelines for these
reinforcements adhering to the other similar requirements in the Indian standards for
reinforced concrete construction. These requirements must be in coherence with the
reinforcement guidelines provided in reinforced-concrete construction.
In high seismic zones only solid slab concrete panels are recommended, and their
connection is permitted between ribs only. While the structural standards of practice
across the world allow using composite or non-composite topping slab reinforced
and detailed to provide for a complete transfer of forces to the lateral force resisting
system. Such flexibility must be brought into the Indian standards to boost the use
of precast concrete diaphragms in active seismic zones.
246 R. Joshi et al.

The absence of updates on precast concrete diaphragms Indian standards is partly

due to the relative low magnitude of such construction being used in India. This
also reflects by the relatively faster updates in the relevant construction standards in
countries with high use of such construction practices. But with the infrastructure
growing like never and the demands for faster, innovative, and safer construction
options the doors to more numbers of such construction practices. In these regards, it
is high time that Indian standards investigate the seismic design provisions of precast
concrete floor system.

2 Analytical Studies

2.1 Diaphragm Action [3]

The function of a diaphragm is to receive and resist lateral loads by acting as a

horizontal deep beam and transmit the loads to lateral-resisting elements which carry
the lateral loads to the foundation. Thus, while the role of the precast/pre-stressed
floor system is often considered as providing support for gravity loads acting out of
the plane of the floor, it also plays a key role by providing strength and stiffness in the
plane of the floor, by connecting the individual vertical elements to create the Lateral
Force Resisting System (LFRS), and in the context of seismic design, transfers the
inertial forces that develop in a seismic event so-called diaphragm action [1].

2.2 Structure Integrity [3]

The fundamental requirement of earthquake resistance is to provide a complete load

path from any point in a structure to the foundation. The design must ensure that the
building can sustain local damage without catastrophic failure. Structural integrity
in the context of avoiding catastrophic collapse is normally obtained by using the
fully tied solution incorporating full horizontal and vertical ties.

2.3 Precast Floor Systems

The selection of floor type depends upon factors related to the utility and form
of the structure, availability, and the seismic zone. Each system has characteristics
unique to its form that drive its diaphragm detailing. These characteristics depend
on construction method and type of precast unit, as described below in detail.
Finite Element Modeling of Precast Diaphragms Concrete … 247

3 Seismic Design Procedures

The design issues in precast diaphragm are the design of connections to get loads
into the diaphragm, the strength and ductility of the slab system to transmit these
loads to the lateral resisting elements, and the design of the connections required to
unload the lateral forces from the diaphragm to the lateral resisting elements [2].

3.1 Design of Floor Diaphragm and Connections

See Figs. 3, 4, and 5.

Fig. 3 Plan of G+3

Fig. 4 Model in ETABS

248 R. Joshi et al.

Fig. 5 Plan layout in ETABS

3.2 Design of a Hollow Core

Design of 200 mm Deep Hollow Core Slab [2]

Effective span − 4 m = 4000 mm 

= 50 kN m 4
Total load 50 kN/m is distributed as
Therefore w = 12.5 kN m2 
Therefore, the factor loads W = 12.5 kN m2 × 1.5 = 18.75 kN m2
Moment for normal loading = wL2 8 
= 12.5 × 42 /8 = 25 kNm
 m
Factored as Ms = 25 × 1.2 = 30 kNm m

Moment for factored loading = WL2 8 
= 18.75 × 42 /8 = 37.5 kNm
 m
Factored as Mu = 37.5 × 1.2 = 45 kNm m

Now, design in shear


Vu = WL 2
= 18.75 × 4/2

= 37.5 kN m × 1.2 (for unit width)
= 45 kN per unit.

Since the moment is Ms = 30 kNm, Mu = 45 kNm.

Therefore the % of steel provided will be 0.171% Ac (1200 × 200), i.e., 4 nos. of
12 mm bars (452.16 mm2 ).
Finite Element Modeling of Precast Diaphragms Concrete … 249

Design in Bearing
The effective bearing length is taken as the least of
1. The actual bearing length of the imposed member i.e. 1200 mm.
2. One half of (i) + 100 mm i.e. 1200/2 +100 mm = 700 mm
3. 600 mm.
which gives, effective bearing length = 600 mm.Also, Net bearing width = 75
-15 = 60 mm.

Therefore, the Bearing Stress

= 45 × 103 /(600 × 60)
= 1.25 N/mm2 < 0.4 fcu = 16 N/mm2 . Hence safe. (where fcu = 40 N/mm2 )

Design of Precast L-Beam

For M40 concrete the cover to reinforcement = 30 mm

Use b = 300 mm wide beam
Minimum up stand width (assuming 8 mm bars) = 30 + (6 × 8) + 30
= 108 mm.

Slenderness Ratio Check


bw > L 60

300 > 6000 60
300 mm > 100 mm, hence safe.

Or
 
L × d 250 = {(600 × 550)/250}1/2
= 114.89 = 115 mm.

Using maximum possible up stand width bw = 165 mm with 200 mm deep floor
recess.
Maximum bending moment = wl2 /8
where w = 50 kN/m
Therefore,
The factored load = 1.5 × 50 = 75 kN/m
Moment (Mu ) = 75 × 62 /8 = 337.5 kNm
Shear (Vu ) = 75 × 6/2 = 225 kN
Flexural design for compression side, b = 165 mm, d = 550 mm, Mu = 112.5
kNm.
250 R. Joshi et al.
  
Mu = 0.87 f y (Pt /100) × 1 − 1.005 f y f ck (Pt /100) bd2
= 0.87 × 415(Pt /100) × [1 − 1.005415/40(Pt /100)]165 × 5502

On solving the quadratic equation, we get,

Pt = 0.671

Therefore,

Ast = 0.671 × 165 × 550 = 608.93 mm2

 
Hence 4 bars of 16 mm 803.84 mm2 .

Flexural design for tension side, b = 165 mm, d = 550 mm, Mu = 225 kNm.
  
Mu = 0.87 f y (Pt /100) × 1 − 1.005 f y f ck (Pt /100) bd2
225 × 106 = 0.87 x 415(Pt /100) × [1 − 1.005415/40(Pt /100)]165 × 5502

On solving it we get

Pt = 1.47

Therefore,

Ast = 1.47 × 165 × 550 = 1338.5 mm2

 
Hence 7 bars of 16 mm 1406.74 mm2 .

Check for Deflection

See Fig. 6

L d = 20
Pt = 1.47%
Fs = 0.58 f y Ast required/Ast provided
= 0.58 × 415 × 1338.5/1406.72
= 229 N mm2

Modification factor for providing tensile steel-F1 = 0.98, F2 = 1.15, F3 = 1

 
Max L d required = F1 × F2 × F3 × L d
  = 0.98 × 1.15 × 1 × 20 = 22.54
L d provided 600 550 = 10.91 < 22.54, hence safe.
Finite Element Modeling of Precast Diaphragms Concrete … 251

(a)

(b)

Fig. 6 a Beam connections (Section). b Beam connections (Isometric) [1]

Check for Shear

Vu = 225kN  
Tv = Vu bd = 225 × 103 165 × 550 = 2.47 N mm
2

Pt = Ast bd = 1406.7 × 100 165 × 550 = 1.55%

.
Tc = 0.818
 N 2 mm (Table 19 IS456)
2

Tc max = 4 N mm
Tc < TV < Tc max

Hence, Shear reinforcement is to be designed.

Shear to be taken by steel reinforcement [2]
252 R. Joshi et al.

VU S = VU − TC bd
= 225 × 103 − 0.818 × 165 × 550
= 150.76 kN

Using 2-legged, 8 mm vertical stirrups spacing S v


VU S = 0.87 f y Asv d SV  
150 × 103 = 0.87 × 415 2π 4 × 82 × 550 SV
SV = 132.4 mm

Maximum spacing permitted = 0.75d = 0.75 × 550 = 412.5 mm or 300 mm

whichever is less.
Hence provided SV = 140 mm is enough.
Calculation of Tie Force
The basic horizontal tie force Ft is given by lesser of—Ft = (20 + 4n) or 60 kN/m
width
where n is the number of storey’s including basement—Ft = (20 + 4 × 3) = 32 kN/m
If the total characteristics dead (gk) + live loading (qk) is >7.5 kN/m2 and or the
distance (lr ) between the column or wall in the direction of the tie is greater than
5 m, the force is modified as the greater of
     
Ft  = (gk + qk) 7.5 × lr 5 Ft
= [(7.5 + 5)/7.5] = 1.66

If lr is <5 m then Ft = 1.66 × 32 = 53.33 kN/m and (lr < 5 m).
If l r is >5 m then Ft = 533.3 × lr /5 (lr > 5)

4 Conclusion

The precast concrete building’s structures are now worldwide accepted as an

economic, structurally sound, and architecturally versatile form of construction.
From literature, it is concluded that precast construction is continuously increasing
and have become popular even in seismic sensitive country. An account of Interna-
tional practice on design and connection details of precast frame is presented. Brief
description on precast concrete construction is studied and presented.
1. To achieve the objective of work, a parametric study of G + 6 storey building is
attempted to understand and compare the modeling of precast concrete building
with using different softwares. And, one manual design study is also presented in
which the cause of failure of joints and suggested joints in G + 3 story building is
Finite Element Modeling of Precast Diaphragms Concrete … 253

calculated and shown; design of floor diaphragm is also suggested for a building
situated in seismic zone for different aspect ratios.
2. It is found that the precast concrete structures were more susceptible to earthquake
damages. Hence, special attention must be given to them, and there is a burning
need of Codal provisions and standards to withstand future seismic events.
3. Analysis and design of diaphragms in moderate to high rise structures required
detailed modeling in dedicated programs like SAP2000, ETABS 9, etc. After
performing such analysis, it is observed that several provisions related to precast
concrete diaphragm analysis and design are unavailable or ambiguous in Indian
structural standards. It is suggested to include guidelines for the procedure to
be followed for the diaphragm analysis and the methodology for the diaphragm
load distribution within the diaphragm. The reinforcement detailing for chord,
web, and collector steel needs to be clarified, and their distinction from regular
floor panels elements has to be pointed out. It is immediately required to address
the connection philosophy and research .Experience shows that a combination of
topping concrete and welded mechanical connectors proves effective in seismic
loading.

References

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ACI Committee 318. American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI
2. BIS (2002) IS: 1893–2002 Indian standard criteria for earthquake resistant design of structures,
Part I—general provisions and buildings. Bureau of Indian Standards, NewDelhi
3. Barkale M (2009) Seismic performances of precast concrete diaphragms and their connections.
M.E Thesis, RGPV University, Bhopal, India
4. Cao L, Naito CJ (2007) Design of precast diaphragm chord connections for in-plane tension
demands. J Struct Eng 133(11):1627–1635
5. D’Arcy T, Nasser, GD, Gosh SK (2003) Building code provisions for precast/pre-stressed
concrete: a brief history. PCI J 116–124, November–December
6. Dhakal RP (2008) Exploring the feasibility of a floor system detached from seismic beams
in moment resisting frame buildings. In: Conference Proceedings- 2008 NZSEE Conference-
Poster Session, Paper 18. https://www.nzsee.org.nz/db/2008/Paper18.pdf
7. Englekirk RE (2003) Seismic design of reinforced and precast concrete buildings. Wiley,
Hoboken, NJ