Special Design Considerations For Precast Prestressed Hollow Core Floors

Special Design Considerations for Precast Prestressed Hollow Core Floors

The former FIP Commission Prefabrication drafted the FIP Recommendations on the design of Precast prestressed hollow core floors, published by FIP in 1988 (Telford, London, ISBN 0-7277-1375-2). That document was highly appreciated by designers and public authorities because of the lack of guidance available elsewhere, especially with respect to some specific features of the product, for example the absence of transverse reinforcement. It has also served as a reference guide for national standards and especially for the CEN product standard on prestressed hollow core slabs. During the production of that report it was felt that some design rules were incomplete or missing. In addition, research carried out since has resulted in complementary knowledge on the behaviour of hollow core floors, for example in combination with slender floor beams. The present guide to good practice is intended to complement the existing recommendations. The research for the different items was carried out at Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), Politecnico di Torino (Italy), VTT (Finland), University of Nottingham (United Kingdom), Building Research Institute (Poland), and the University of Rome (Italy).

Structural Connections for Precast Concrete Buildings

Connections are among the most essential parts in precast structures. Their performance relates to the structural limit states, as well as to manufacture of the precast elements and erection and maintenance of the structure itself. Proper design of connections is one major key to a successful prefabrication. The principal aim of fib Bulletin 43 is to encourage good practice in the design of structural connections in precast concrete structures. This is achieved through a good understanding of structural connections as parts of the overall structural system and of basic force transferring mechanisms. The bulletin consists of two parts; the first part concerns general considerations and philosophy in the design of structural connections, and the second part deals with basic force transferring mechanisms within structural connections. The main focus is on the design of structural connections with regard to their structural function in ordinary design situations in the serviceability and ultimate limit states, and in accidental/abnormal design situations, like fire, lack of fit and impact/accidental loads. Other aspects considered include production, handling and site erection of elements, building physics, durability and maintenance. Bulletin 43 applies to structural connections for precast concrete buildings, although the information on basic force transfer mechanisms can also be applicable to other types of prefabricated structures.

3rd fib Congress Washington USA