Experimental study of two-way post-tensioned flat slabs in fire

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of tendon layout, pre-stressing force, bond condition and concrete spalling on the structural behaviour of two-way post-tensioned flat slabs at elevated temperatures.Design/methodology/approachFire tests of four scale specimens of two-way post-tensioned concrete flat slabs were performed and analysed. Three of them were provided with bonded tendons, while the other was unbonded for comparison. The fabrication of specimens, phenomena observed during testing, temperature distributions, deflections and occurrence of concrete spalling were examined.FindingsDifferent degrees of concrete spalling observed at the soffit had significant effects on the temperature distribution and stress redistribution. This was the major reason for the progressive concrete spalling observed, resulting in loss of structural integrity and stiffness.Originality/valueThe structural behaviour of two-way post-tensioned concrete flat slabs at elevated temperatures is less understood compared to their one-way counterparts. Therefore, the present study has focused on the structural behaviour of two-way post-tensioned concrete flat slabs with bonded tendons in fire, a field in which relatively little information on experimental work can be found.