Precast concrete hollow core slabs exposed to elevated temperatures in terms of shear deteriorations – review article

Abstract

Hollow core units were developed in the 1950s when long-line prestressing techniques evolved. Ever since then extensive studies followed concerning this particular field for concrete structures. Design methods of hollow core slabs have no requirements for transverse reinforcements which make it more prone to shear failure especially at elevated temperatures. It is understandable that the behaviour of hollow core slabs under elevated temperatures is more complex than that of solid slabs. The longitudinal wholes cause discontinuity in thermal transfer even though webs are effective parts transferring thermal loads to the unexposed parts of the structural element. Even if several influencing parameters have been investigated in order to evaluate their influence on different failure mechanisms of the hollow core slabs at elevated temperatures, still further efforts are needed. This paper presents a review for influencing parameters, failure modes and code provisions for hollow core slabs at elevated temperatures.