A Unidirectional Ribbed Slab System with Prefabricated Textile-Reinforced Concrete Shells

The use of innovative high-performance cementitious materials enables the development of advanced structural systems characterized by enhanced lightness, durability, sustainability, and mechanical performance. In this paper, we propose a partially precast unidirectional ribbed floor system consisting of very high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (VHPFRC) I-beams, textile reinforced concrete (TRC) stay-in-place formworks, and ordinary fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) finishes. A description of the conceptual design underlying the proposed building system is followed by a depiction of the materials and construction procedures used. Special emphasis is placed on the mechanical behavior of the TRC, both at the material and structural scales. Within this context, the membrane and flexural responses of thin beam specimens are discussed and followed by the experimental analysis of the movable prefabricated shells inspired by Pier Luigi Nervi’s ferrocement constructions, subject to transient actions associated with typical construction stages.