Experimental and numerical investigation of post-tensioned concrete flat slabs in fire
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to understand the structural fire performance of two-way post-tensioned flat slabs, particularly their deformations and load-carrying mechanisms in fire, and to explore the behaviour of post-tensioned high-strength self-compacting concrete flat slabs with unbonded tendons in fire.
Design/methodology/approach
Four tests of post-tensioned high-strength self-compacting concrete flat slabs were conducted under fire conditions. Numerical modelling using the commercial package ABAQUS was conducted to help interpret the test results.
Findings
Two of the specimens with lower moisture contents demonstrated excellent fire resistance performance, while the others with slightly higher moisture contents experienced severe concrete spalling.
Originality/value
The test results were discussed in respect of thermal profiles, deflections, crack patterns and concrete spalling. The performance of post-tensioned high-strength self-compacting concrete flat slabs with unbonded tendons under fire conditions was better understood.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The work described here has been supported by the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (RGC Project No.: HKU 710012E) and the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science of South China University of Technology, China (Project No.: 2011KA02).
Citation
Wei, Y., Au, F.T.K., Li, J. and Tsang, N.C.M. (2016), "Experimental and numerical investigation of post-tensioned concrete flat slabs in fire", Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 2-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSFE-03-2016-001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited