Finite Element-Based Serviceability Assessment for Sustainable Reinforced Concrete Residential Floor Systems

Sustainable housing requires structural systems that not only satisfy safety requirements but also provide long-term durability, occupant comfort, and low maintenance throughout the building life cycle. Among the key serviceability concerns in reinforced concrete residential buildings, excessive cracking and deflection can reduce structural durability, increase maintenance costs, and negatively affect housing quality. This study presents a finite element-based framework for evaluating the serviceability performance of reinforced concrete residential floor systems under short-term and long-term loading conditions. A three-dimensional numerical model of a typical slab–beam floor system was developed using SAFE software. Crack-width and deflection assessments were performed according to Eurocode 2 serviceability provisions, considering both characteristic and quasi-permanent load combinations. The structural model included slabs, primary beams, and secondary beams to represent realistic load transfer mechanisms in residential buildings.

The numerical results indicate that all structural components satisfy the prescribed serviceability requirements. The maximum long-term crack width of the primary beam was 0.085 mm, substantially lower than the allowable limit of 0.30 mm, while slab crack widths remained below 0.22 mm. The maximum long-term beam deflection reached 27.6 mm, remaining within the allowable limit of 34 mm. The finite element model successfully captured the interaction between slabs and beams and accurately predicted structural deformation under service loading. The findings demonstrate that finite element-based serviceability assessment provides an effective decision-support tool for designing durable and sustainable residential floor systems. By improving structural serviceability and reducing future maintenance requirements, the proposed approach contributes to the development of affordable, resilient, and sustainable housing aligned with the objectives of sustainable urban development.