Dimensionamento de Lajes Alveolares

The Hollow Core Floor
Design and Applications
ASSAP
hollow core slabs
ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS OF PRESTRESSED HOLLOW CORE FLOORS
The Hollow Core Floor

Design and Applications
Manual ASSAP
1st Edition
hollow core slabs
A SSOCIATION
OF
M ANUFACTURERS
OF
P RESTRESSED H OLLOW C ORE F LOORS
ASSAP
ASSAP - Association of Manufacturers of Prestressed Hollow Core Floors
Offices: via Castelletto, 5 - 37050 Belfiore (Verona) - Italy
Telephone 0039 045 8780533 Fax 0039 045 8780544
E-mail: [email protected] - Web Site: www.assapsolai.it
LIST OF ASSAP MEMBERS

June 2002
CENTRO ITALIA PREFABBRICATI S.r.l.
Via Campo di Marte,14-H
06124 Perugia - Italy
Tel. ++39.075.5002743
Fax ++39.075.50003285
EDILGORI PRECOMPRESSI S.r.l.
Via del Maglio, 10
05100 Terni - Italy
Tel. ++39.0761.402196
Fax ++39.0761.402197
E.P. EDILIZIA PREFABBRICATA S.r.l.
Via Campobello, 10
00040 Pomezia (Roma) - Italy
Tel. ++39.06.9120256
Fax ++39.06.91603111
ESSE SOLAI S.r.l.
Strada delle Fornaci, 13
36031 Vivaro Dueville (Vicenza) - Italy
Tel. ++39.0444.985481
Fax ++39.0444.986558
EUROPREFABBRICATI S.r.l.
Zona Ind. di Castelnuovo Vomano
64020 Castellalto (Teramo) - Italy
Tel. ++39.0861.57737
Fax ++39.0861.507063
GIULIANE SOLAI S.r.l.
Via della Fornace, 16 - Loc. Mortesins
33050 Ruda (Udine) - Italy
Tel. ++39.0431.99588/9
Fax ++39.0431.999990
HORMIPRESA S.A.
Ctra. de Igualada s/n
S-43420 Sta. Coloma De Queralt
(Terragona) - Espaa
Tel. ++34.977.880124
Fax ++34.977.880534
IAPITER S.r.l.
Via Campo di Fiume, 14
83030 Montefredane (Avellino) - Italy
Tel. ++39.0825.607168
Fax ++39.0825.607041
I.CI.ENNE S.r.l.
Via B. da Montefeltro, 28/d
52100 Arezzo - Italy
Tel. ++39.0575.24288
Fax ++39.0575.22860
IMMOBILIARE CENTRO NORD S.p.A.
Via Castelletto, 5
37050 Belfiore (Verona) - Italy

Tel. ++39.045.8780533
Fax ++39.045.8780544
IN.PR.EDI.L. S.r.l.
Via 2 Giugno, 51-a
13063 Masserano (Biella) - Italy
Tel. ++39.015.99120
Fax ++39.015.99474
LATERIZI FAUCI S.p.A.
Contrada Bordea
92019 Sciacca (Agrigento) - Italy
Tel. ++39.0925.26122
Fax ++39.0925.26931
MARCHETTI & MORANDI S.a.s.
Via Camporcioni, 58
51019 Ponte Buggianese (Pistoia) - Italy
Tel. ++39.0572.635367
Fax ++39.0572.635369
PAVICENTRO S.A.
Apartado 2
38015-501 Eixo (Aveiro) - Portugal
Tel. 00351.234920200
Fax 00351.234920201
PRECOMPRESSI CENTRO NORD S.p.A.
Via Mulino Vecchio
28065 Cerano (Novara) - Italy
Tel. ++39.0321.726873
Fax ++39.0321.728026
PREFABBRICATI DIGNANI S.a.s.
Via S. Egidio, 5-A
62010 Montecassiano (Macerata) - Italy
Tel. ++39.0733.599427
Fax ++39.0733.599087
PRETENSADOS INDUSTRIALES S.A.
Av. Charles De Gaulle: Ave Hipica
Santo Domingo - Rep. Dominicana
Tel. 001.809.7661151
Fax 001.809.7661154
RDB S.p.A.
Via dellEdilizia, 1
29010 Pontenure (Piacenza) - Italy
Tel. ++39.0523.5181
Fax ++39.0523.518270
S.G.C. S.r.l.
Contrada Baronia
74021 S. Giorgio Jonico (Taranto) - Italy
Tel. ++39.099.5926815
Fax ++39.099.5916739
Capitolo 1
Editorial Staff
Gennaro Capuano University Federico II Napoli

Bruno Della Bella
Precompressi Centro Nord S.p.A. Novara
Giorgio Della Bella Immobiliare Centro Nord S.p.A. Verona

Pierluigi Ghittoni
Professional Piacenza
Piercarlo Morandi
Marchetti & Morandi S.a.s. Pistoia
English translation
David C. Nilson Cagliari
First Published in English 2002

Published by OFFSET PRINT VENETA - Verona - Italy
All rights, including translation, reserved to ASSAP Members
1.1. Notizie Storiche
ASSAP
ASSAP
THE ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS OF
PRESTRESSED HOLLOW CORE FLOORS
"A non-profit Association for the promotion, safeguarding and defence of
the hollow core floor and the legitimate interests of associated producers"
(from Article 2 of the Articles of Association).
"Associates, at the time they are admitted, commit themselves to orient
their companys policies in the direction of quality and to respect the technical and ethical criteria established by the Association" (from Article 4 of
the Articles of Association).
ASSAP was founded in June 1982 in Ponte Taro (Parma, Italy) with the
participation of almost half of the producers then present on the Italian
market. The guiding idea was to promote and enhance the prestige of the
prestressed hollow core floor.
The members of ASSAP, in alphabetical order, are the following companies, some of which (in italics) no longer exist or have left the Association
for having ceased the production of hollow core floors:
ANTARES in Frosinone, BONETTI Prefabbricati in Castenedolo (Brescia),
CEMENTEDILE in Lauriano Po (Turin), CENTRO ITALIA PREFABBRICATI in Frosinone, CONCARI Prefabbricati in Parma, DIGNANI
Prefabbricati in Montecassiano (Macerata), EDILCEMENTO in Gubbio
(Perugia), EDILGORI Precompressi in Terni, E.P. EDILIZIA PREFABBRICATA in Pomezia (Rome), ESSE SOLAI in Dueville (Vicenza),
EUROPREFABBRICATI in Castellalto (Teramo), GIULIANE SOLAI in
Ruda (Udine), HORMIPRESA in Tarragona (Spain), IAPITER in
Avellino, ICIENNE in Arezzo, IMMOBILIARE CENTRO NORD in San
Martino B.A. (Verona), INPREDIL in Masserano (Biella), INPREVIB in
Chivasso (Turin), LATERIZI FAUCI in Sciacca (Agrigento), MARCHETTI & MORANDI in Ponte Buggianese (Pistoia), MUBEMI in Valencia
(Spain), PAVICENTRO in Aveiro (Portugal), PAVINORTE in Penafiel
(Portugal), PRECOMPRESSI CENTRO NORD in Cerano (Novara), PRECOMPRESSI METAURO in Calcinelli di Saltara (Pesaro), PRETENSADOS
INDUSTRIALES in Santo Domingo (Rep. Dominicana), R.D.B. in
Piacenza, S.G.C. in Taranto, S.I.C.S. in Lodi, SUN BLOCK in Kuala Lumpur
(Malaysia), VIBROCEMENTO SARDA in Cagliari.
ASSAP
Soon after its creation, ASSAP turned to Prof. Franco Levi of the
Politecnico of Turin, for his expert advice. He strengthened the scientific
basis of the engineering techniques and applications that the Associations
proposers, belonging to the Gruppo Centro Nord, had previously developed and shared with all ASSAP members.
From 1982 to 1986 the testing laboratory of the Politecnico of Turin directed by Prof. Pier Giorgio Debernardi devoted its energies to the experimental testing of the restraint of continuity established between hollow
core floors on several supports by means of normal reinforcement resistant
to negative moment and inserted in situ in the slab ends prepared specifically for the purpose.
The second task was the study of the mechanical model to explain the
unexpected experimental behaviour of the restraint of continuity between
hollow core slabs during the cracking phase. Effectively, once the positive
and negative moments of cracking had been reached and passed experimentally in the laboratory, it was noted that these cracks never joined one
another and thus caused no structural collapse.
It was found that cracks remained separate owing to the presence at the
ends of the arch and tie system of compression struts in the concrete (see
Fig. 4.10 in Chapter 4) which inhibited their coming together. Thus collapse is avoided in the cracking phase.
Prof. Franco Levi - Politecnico of Turin (Italy)
ASSAP
Thanks to this formidable and reassuring scientific diagnosis, Prof. Levi

opened the doors to Italian, and later European, Codes dealing with hollow
core floors laid in continuity.
Among the many innovative applications introduced by ASSAP we also
find the clear span connection between hollow core slabs and bearing
beams cast in situ (see paragraphs 4.4.2 and 4.4.3).
What are the conditions within which these connections can be assured
without support?
Once again it was the testing laboratory of the Politecnico of Turin that
addressed this new research challenge through the construction of beam
models, both depressed and in floor thickness, cast in situ, with hollow
core slabs in continuity but not lying on the beam itself.
Results of the tests confirmed the validity of the engineering idea, although
with the limits and precautions dictated by Prof. Levi (see paragraph
4.4.4.).
The last research project, which dealt with spalling stresses (see paragraph
3.5.2), required a three-year effort. If in normal prestressed beams vertical
tensions in the web-end are absorbed by the specific stirrups, in hollow
core slabs they must be opposed by the tensile strength of the concrete
alone.
Spalling stresses must also be specifically restricted if the hollow core slab
is inserted as a clear span between bearing structures cast in situ.
This "manual", which represents "Self-Regulation Document" for companies producing prestressed hollow core slab floors and ASSAP associates,
is an instrument containing the knowledge acquired by the Association
through specific studies and research and which has supplied to associates
the know-how necessary not only for the production, but also for the
design of hollow core slab floors on innovative and precise technological
and scientific bases.
FOREWORD
FOREWORD
After thirty years of continuous and enthusiastic work in a specific field, a
technician unknowingly and inevitably becomes a specialist in that sector
and finds what he has been dealing with for many years so obvious that he
or she is dumbfounded when professional colleagues do not show the same
level of expertise in such a congenial subject.
In the case of the technicians who formed the nucleus that led to the founding of ASSAP, they were too often perplexed by the inaccuracy of some
producers and many designers in the specific field of the production and
application of hollow core floors.
For these reasons, starting from the 1980s, ASSAP began thinking of writing a manual in which to state the principles for the correct design and
application of this universally known component, which is sometimes not
fully appreciated owing to preconceptions and improper applications.
The sum of the experience gained by the technicians of the ASSAP committee was found to be so vast that it could not be contained in a sort of
instant guide to... because while putting it into hard copy form it became
more like a treatise. The obvious consequence was that its preparation
would require far more time and many more revisions than were originally planned.
The book you are now reading is thus a complete compendium, perhaps
even too detailed, but undoubtedly useful, of important information providing in-depth knowledge of the hollow core floor and its prefabricated
component which is the prestressed hollow core slab.
The purpose of this publication is thus to provide designers, producers and
users of hollow core floors with an instrument to assist them in finding
solutions to problems they come across professionally, problems that must
be solved by bringing together theory and codes with correct constructive
intuition taking into account the real necessities of practical construction
work.
Over the years, designers have developed many innovative engineering
solutions in the use of this prefabricated element. These must be well
understood before its special characteristics can be fully exploited while
FOREWORD
maintaining safe structural conditions and complying with the rules of

good building practice.
With this publication, ASSAP, the Association of Manufacturers of
Prestressed Hollow Core Floors, has brought together the general design
criteria, which have been amply verified experimentally, to provide designers with a practical instrument for use when dealing with all morphological types of hollow core slabs. Methods of calculation are standardized and
practical rules for implementation in conformity with Italian and European
codes now in force are given.
With great dedication, the following technicians participated in the preparation of this publication. In doing so they have earned the unconditional
gratitude of ASSAP:
Gennaro Capuano, Bruno Della Bella, Pierluigi Ghittoni, Piercarlo
Morandi and Stanislaw Pereswiet-Soltan.
ASSAP offers special thanks to Prof. Franco Levi, Prof. Pier Giorgio
Debernardi, Prof. Crescentino Bosco, Prof. Piero Contini of the Structural
Engineering Department of the Politecnico of Turin and the late Renzo
Perazzone who, starting from 1982, conducted many experiments to verify a large amount of the technical and engineering formulations contained
herein.
Many thanks to Bruno Della Bella for having completed the chapter 5th,
with the deformations argument about hollow core floors.
Deserving of special mention are Prof. Antonio Migliacci of the
Politecnico of Milan who, as far back as 1967, formulated on an experimental basis the theory of transverse transmission of concentrated loads,
and Prof. Marco Menegotto of the University La Sapienza of Rome who
conducted many experimental investigations on extruded hollow core floor
slabs, with special emphasis on diaphragm behaviour.
Verona, September 2002
Giorgio Della Bella

ASSAP, Chairman
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
NOTATIONS
REFERENCES
Chapter 1
HOLLOW CORE SLAB FLOORS
1.1
Historical background
1.2
General information
1.3
Reasons for choosing hollow core floors
10
1.4
Reference to Codes
1.4.1
Italian building standards
1.4.2
European building standards
1.4.3
Important international documents
15
15
19
21
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
23
2.1
Notes on production technologies
23
2.2
Cross section geometry

2.2.1. Types of hollow cores
2.2.2. Typical shapes of lateral join faces
2.2.3. Thickness of webs and flanges
2.2.4. Distribution and cover of prestressing strands
2.2.5. Examples of cross-sections of hollow core slabs,
relevant weights and geometric characteristics
with simple support and without resistance to fire
29
29
30
31
32
2.3
Production details
2.3.1
Open cores at slab ends
2.3.2. Sheaths for strand neutralization
2.3.3. Additional reinforcement bars
2.3.4. Cut-outs in hollow core slabs
2.3.5. Ways of lifting
2.3.6. Holes for draining rainwater
2.3.7. Plugs for hollow cores
2.3.8. Devices for eliminating camber deviations
40
42
43
44
46
48
50
51
52
2.4
Dimensional tolerances
2.4.1. Tolerances in dimensions and assembling
54
55
38
CONTENTS
Chapter 3
STATIC PECULIARITIES
59
3.1.
Introduction
59
3.2
Floor depth
60
3.3.
Longitudinal join shape
62
3.4
Concrete topping on the hollow core floor

3.4.1
Interface shear capacity between in situ topping
and precast slab
67
68
3.5
Prestressing
3.5.1
Tensile forces in the transmission zone
3.5.2
Control of spalling tensile stress in the webs
3.5.3
Reduction of prestressing by means of sheaths
3.5.4
Slippage of strands into slab ends
72
74
79
88
89
3.6.
Rules and devices for the support of hollow core slabs

3.6.1. Minimum design support length
3.6.2. Additional reinforcement in the transmission zone
for flexural and shear capacity
3.6.3. Prestressing in the transmission zone for flexural
and shear capacity
92
94
3.7.
Increase in shear capacity with concrete filled cores
Chapter 4
4.1.
CONNECTIONS AND STRUCTURAL

SCHEMES
98
99
101
102
Connections and ties

4.1.1. Connections in hollow core floors
4.1.2. Anchoring capacity of connecting bars in the
hollow core slab
102
104
4.2.
The execution of structural restraints

4.2.1. Simple support
4.2.2. Continuity in a multispan floor
4.2.3. Redistribution of moments due to connection ductility
4.2.4. Restraint for cantilevers
108
109
112
119
121
4.3.
The beam-floor connection

4.3.1. Premise
4.3.2. Inverted T and L-shaped precast beams
4.3.3
Precast I beams
4.3.4. Semi-precast beams
4.3.5. Steel H-beams
4.3.6. Steel reticular beams
123
123
126
127
129
130
131
107
CONTENTS
4.4.
4.5.
4.6.
Beams cast in situ

4.4.1. Slabs with support on beam
4.4.2. Clear span floor without support on beam
4.4.3. Flat beam having depth equal to hollow core floor
4.4.4. Design of the composite connection between cast
in situ beam and hollow core slab without
direct support
132
133
135
137
139
The connection between hollow core floor and reinforced

concrete loadbearing wall
159
The large holes in hollow core floors
162
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
165
5.1.
5.2.
General considerations
Properties of materials and partial safety factors
5.2.1. Properties of concrete
5.2.2. Steel properties
165
166
166
169
5.3.
Static and geometric preliminary dimensioning

5.3.1. Use-graphs
5.3.2. Limits of slenderness
5.3.3. Analytical method for preliminary dimensioning
5.3.4. Design rules for floors laid in continuity or
with fixed ends
5.3.5. Design of the corroborant topping
172
172
174
175
177
179
5.4.
Transverse load distribution
181
5.5.
Design of fire resistance

5.5.1. General considerations and calculations
5.5.2. The tabulated data method
5.5.3. Analytical methods
185
185
188
188
5.6.
Diaphragm behaviour
5.6.1. Model for diaphragm calculation
193
194
5.7.
Calculation of deformations
5.7.1. Applications and pratical references
5.7.2. Initial camber 0 at time t0
5.7.3. Camber 1 after installation at time t1
5.7.4. In-service and long-term deformations
5.7.5. Elastic sag at the time of final testing
196
198
203
205
207
216
5.8.
Graphic representations
220
NOTATIONS
NOTATIONS
Symbols used in this text comply with EC2 EUROPEAN CODE
ENV 1992-1-1.
Ac
Total cross-section area
Afl
Area of reinforcement bars
Ap
Area of prestressing tendons
Modulus of elasticity; effect of action
Action (general)
Permanent action
Moment of inertia
Bending moment
Prestressing force
Variable action
Structure internal resistance
Effect of action
Shear force
VRd
Design value of the internal resistance to shear force
VEd
Design value of the applied shear force
Distance
Width
bc
Width of a hollow core full of concrete
bi
Width of a single web
bw
Total width of slab webs
Distance; concrete cover of tendons
Effective depth of a cross-section
eo
Prestressing tendon eccentricity
Deflection
Depth of a cross-section
hf
Depth
NOTATIONS
Distance between reinforcing bars or prestressing tendons
Coefficient; factor
Lenght; span
lbp
Transmission length of prestressing tendons
Number
Time
Angle; ratio
Angle; ratio
Factor for transmission length of prestressing tendons
Partial safety factor
Partial safety factor for concrete material properties
Partial safety factor for permanent actions G
Partial safety factor for prestressing actions P
Partial safety factor for variable actions Q
sp
Partial safety factor for spalling tensions
Coefficient
Elongation
Coefficient of friction
Coefficient
Reinforcement ratio
Stress; tension
Design principal stress
Design compressive stress
po
Prestressing tendon tension at time 0
sp
Spalling tension
spi
Spalling tension at time of prestression application
Shear stress
Rd
Basic design shear strength
Sd
Design value of shear stress
Temperature
Diameter of a reinforcing bar or prestressing tendon
Coefficient for combination of actions
NOTATIONS
Concrete
C
Strength class of concrete
fc
Cylinder compressive strength
fck
Characteristic compressive cylinder strength at 28 days
fck, cube Cube characteristic compressive strength at 28 days

fcd
Design value of cylinder compressive strength (= fck / c)
fct
Tensile strength
fcfm
Mean value of flexural tensile strength
fcfd
Design value of flexural tensile strength

(= fcfm / c)
fctk
Characteristic axial tensile strength
fctk 0.05 Lower characteristic tensile strength (5% fractile)

fctk 0.95 Upper characteristic tensile strength (95% fractile)
fctm
Mean value of axial tensile strength
fctd
Design value of axial tensile strength (= fctk0.05 / c)
Normal reinforcement
fyk
Characteristic yield strength
ftk
Characteristic tensile strength
fsd
Design tensile strength (= fyk / s)
f0.2k
Characteristic yield strength at 0.2%
uk
Ductility; elongation at maximum load
Prestressing steel
fpk
Characteristic tensile strength
fp0.1k
Characteristic 0.1% proof-stress
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
1. ASSAP Documents and Research.
In-house self-regulation document for member companies regarding the
use of hollow core slabs in standard and seismic buildings. (1983 F.
Levi, R. Perazzone).
Transverse distribution of loads in hollow core slab floors: theoretical
and experimental research. (1971 A. Migliacci, A. Avanzini).
Investigation on vertical tensile stresses (spalling stresses) in hollow
core slab ends, (1983 F. Levi, R. Perazzone).
Shear design on the prestressed hollow core slabs without transverse
reinforcement, (1983 B. Lewichi, S. Pereswiet Soltan).
Shear capacity in prestressed hollow core slabs according to regulations
in force in different countries and CEB / FIP (1984 B. Lewichi, S.
Pereswiet Soltan).
Shear tests on prestressed hollow core slabs in standard conditions and
with construction faults (1984 I.C.I.T.E. Certificate N.840704/405,
Cantoni, Ferrari, Finzi, Sommadossi, Della Bella).
Bending tests on prestressed hollow core slabs in standard conditions
and with construction faults (1984 I.C.I.T.E. Certificate N.840912/859,
Cantoni, Ferrari, Finzi, Della Bella).
Hollow core slabs and problems related to long time strain (1987
Macorig, Cian, Della Bella, Cantoni, Finzi).
Experimental research on structural continuity between hollow core
floor and cast floor beam (1985 Introductory Research Report, Della
Bella, S. Pereswiet Soltan).
Further investigation on structural continuity of hollow core floors produced by slipform technique (1990, C. Bosco , P.G. Debernardi).
Behaviour of hollow core floor h 160 subjected to loading and with
intrados heating (1985 Certificate No 9877, Politecnico di Torino).
2. International Research and Documents

Design principles for prestressed hollow core floor, FIP technical report
(1982, Various Authors).
F.I.P. Recommendations on prestressed hollow core floors (1988).
REFERENCES
Quality assurance of hollow core slab floors (1992 FIP Guide to good
practice).
Longitudinal indented joints in prestressed floors (1986 M. Menegotto,
Universit di Roma).
Diaphragm action in hollow core floors subjected to seismic action
(1988 M. Menegotto, Universit di Roma).
Horizontal diaphragm action in precast concrete hollow core slab floors
(1990-1992 G. Davies, K.S. Elliot, W. Omar, Nottingham University
Park).
Shear transfer in longitudinal joints of hollow core slabs (1991
Cholewicki, Building Research Institute, Warzawa).
Improving the performance of hollow core slabs by means of structural
continuity (1990, R. Ganeschalingam, Singapore).
Load distribution and failure behaviour of prestressed hollow core slabs
(1992, J.C. Walraven, Delft University).
Estudio experimental de la colaboracion de la capa de hormigon colocada in situ en forjados a base de placas alveolares pretensadas (1991
P. Serna Ros, Pelufo Carbonell, D. Cabo, Universidad Politecnica de
Valencia).
Theoretical aspects of composite structures (1991, C. Walraven, Delft
University).
Probabilistic analysis of hollow core slabs subjected to edge loads
(1991 A. Aswad, W. Tabsh, A.C.I., U.S.A.).
Special design considerations for precast prestressed hollow core floors
(1999 FIB Bulletin n. 6).
3. International Documents.
Eurocode No 2 part 1 Design of concrete structures - General rules
and rules for building (1991).
Eurocode No 2 part 1-3 Precast concrete elements and structures
(1992).
Eurocode No 2 pr EN 1992.1 (2001) Provisional European Norme.
European standard EN 1168-1 Floors of precast prestressed hollow core
elements (1997).
P.C.I. U.S.A. Manual for hollow core floor design (1985 and 1999
Edition).
CEB FIP Model code 1990
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
1.1.
In the 1930s the German Wilhelm Schaefer, together with a colleague

named Kuen, laid the foundations for the realisation of something quite
similar to what today we call the "hollow core slab".
It was an insulated structural slab made up of a hollow core layer of
pumice concrete enclosed within two layers of normal reinforced concrete.
At the end of the 1940s and beginning of the 1950s, after years of production line changes based on trial and error, the "Schaefer" plant began meeting with some success.
Production licences were sold to five companies in East and West
Germany and one in the United States.
The most important of West German producers, BUDERUS'SCHE
EISENWERKE, was the first to introduce prestressing in hollow core
slabs in its plant in Burgsolms, which is still in operation. Static calculations were studied by Prof. Friedrich at the Technical University of Graz
(Austria).
Soon afterwards, around 1955, the layer of pumice concrete was abandoned to allow the production of hollow core slabs in monolithic concrete
with spans and capacities less limited by the poor shear strength of pumice.
In the same years the American company that had purchased the Schaefer
plant introduced prestressing and developed to such a point that it also
became the producer of patented plants under the name SPANCRETE.
1.1.
Chapter 1
Spancrete plants call for a casting machine on a bridge crane. Hollow core
slab casting takes place with the laying of layers one on top of another,
separated by a simple sheet of plastic.
Surface flatness is not perfect, but it is acceptable, as can be seen in many
parking silos in the United States.
Once the upper casts of a pile of slabs have hardened naturally, a diamond
disk sawing machine is mounted on the same pile of slabs and hollow core
slabs are cut and removed.
The plant, with the use of a vibrating slipform machine on the single
casting beds, as is now the most common configuration, was designed in
1955 by Max Gessner of Lochham (Munich).
In 1957, the West German companies MAX ROTH KG and WEILER KG
purchased Gessner's patent and in 1961 began the gradual expansion
throughout Europe and the world of hollow core slabs produced with
slipform machines.
In 1960 the SPIROLL Company in Canada developed an original machine
for the production of hollow core slabs by means of a screw-feeder that
extrudes the concrete.
With this new procedure concrete with a low water/cement ratio was compacted and vibrated. The cores were characterized by a typical circular section quite different from the usual oblong one produced with slipform
machines.
The extrusion procedure was also received favourably, especially in
Northern Europe and the Soviet bloc and, as is always the case with two
competing systems, the race for supremacy between the slipform system
and the extrusion system produced great benefits in the development of the
prefabricated hollow core slab all over the world.
1.1.
Chapter 1
The Italian company NORDIMPIANTI SYSTEM, which since 1974 has

specialized in the construction of slipform machinery and plants, deserves
special mention owing to the impulse it gave to increasing the dimensions
of hollow core slabs.
In 1987, NORDIMPIANTI earned praise for the successful construction of
machinery for the production of an important series of hollow core slabs
with three cores having depths of 50, 60, 70 and 80 cm; the latter three
depths are still a record today.
1.2. General information

Hollow core slab floors represent a special kind of floor totally made of
concrete lightened by hollow cores. They can be prestressed or with normal
reinforcement.
Since there is very little production of hollow core slabs with normal
reinforcement worldwide, from this point on we shall speak only of the prestressed type.
Slabs are lightened by leaving longitudinal voids (cores) of suitable size to
create webs. The intrados and extrados flanges of these webs form the concrete section to be prestressed using embedded steel tendons.
Tensioned steel is the only reinforcement in the hollow core slab, which is
without reinforcement against shear.
The structure's resistance to shear thus depends entirely on the tensile
strength of the concrete. For this reason concrete quality must be constant,
controlled and certified at all stages of production.
Such a precast, prestressed structural component for the laying of bearing
floors proved to be quite reliable from the very beginning. It has been
widely employed internationally, as can be seen from the fact that almost
all national building codes devote at least one paragraph to hollow core
slabs and exempt them from the generic obligation to use reinforcement
against shear.
1.2.
General information
Chapter 1
As concerns shear strength, which depends on the concrete alone, there is

an enormous mass of scientific documents on research, studies, laboratory
tests, in situ testing and codes.
Among these, special importance is attributed to the following documents
owing to their seriousness and depth of analysis:
FIP Recommendations on Precast Prestressed Hollow Core Slab Floors, 1988.
FIP Quality Assurance of Hollow Core Slab Floors, 1992.
FIB (CEB-FIP) Special design considerations for precast prestressed
hollow core floors, 1999
P.C.I. Manual for the Design of Hollow Core Slabs (U.S.A.), 1985 and 1998.
EUROPEAN STANDARD pr. EN 1168/1 Prestressed hollow core slabs
for floors 1998.
Fig. 1.1.
1.2.
Cross sections of hollow core slabs for floors.
General information
Chapter 1
The latter document takes into consideration hollow core slabs with depths
up to 44 cm.
In todays reality, such slabs are being produced with depths of 60, 70 and
even 80 cm, but for safety's sake they must have vertical stirrups in the
webs and at least the bottom side reinforced with continuous welded mesh
or at least placed in correspondence to the ends of each element.
In the preparation of this text we chose 50 cm (but not in all cases) as the
upper limit for a producible hollow core slab without vertical and horizontal reinforcement.
1.3.
Reasons for the choice of hollow core floors
There are many reasons why hollow core slabs have met with such a warm
reception and have spread to all continents. It can rightly be defined the
most cosmopolitan of prefabricated components in the building industry
worldwide.
Among the many advantages they offer, three are especially important:
Technical advantages
Hollow core slabs are produced in well-equipped, up-to-date plants using
advanced technologies requiring little labour. They are produced on
casting beds, usally steel, and made with slipform machines or by extrusion. Concrete batching plants with automatic control of weights and the
water/cement ratio and, almost universally, equipment for the hot curing of
concrete in controlled conditions of temperature and humidity are the other
essential components.
Thus, the production of hollow core slab floors has always been
accompanied by continuous quality control very close to the directives of the
ISO 9001 Standards.
10
1.3.
Chapter 1
Technically, this means that:
concretes are made with selected aggregates and with controlled grainsize curves which are particularly constant in time, with a low watercement ratio, well-compacted and with high physical and mechanical
characteristics, fck 45 60 MPa;
prestressing tendons possess certified strengths and characteristics of
relaxation and constantly controlled concrete cover, and are thus well
protected from aggressive outside elements and fire.
The compactness of the concrete, the low water/cement ratio and the
integral prestressing of the section, besides inhibiting cracking, also
greatly slow down the velocity of concrete carbonation, thus assuring
durability and allowing its use even in highly aggressive environments
so long as standard concrete cover is assured.
The class of concrete also guarantees a high elasticity modulus, equal to at

least 1.3 1.5 times that of concrete normally cast in situ.
It follows that installed floors are quite rigid and show very slight elastic
deflection under loads applied during inspection.
For this reason it is possible to install thinner slabs for the same span and
loads compared to floors that are similar but not entirely prefabricated and
prestressed.
The use of modern slide mould machines and extruders, which assure very
advanced performance, allow the obtaining of slabs that are structurally and
geometrically well formed, such as to supply certain elements for quality
evaluation by immediate visual control of webs, lateral profiles and ends cut
with diamond disks.
Steel casting beds, suitable to ensure perfect flatness and well-shaped edge
lines, form a perfectly smooth surface with well-finished edges at the
intrados of the slabs; these are details that produce the excellent aesthetic
effect of hollow core floors with "exposed" concrete ceilings.
No ends of steel reinforcement protrude from prestressed hollow core slabs
for connection to surrounding structures in cast concrete. Such indispensable
connecting reinforcement is inserted in situ in the longitudinal joins or in
specially provided open cores at the ends, of suitable number and lengths, for
joining the set in row slabs.
1.3.
11
Chapter 1
These efficacious connections with adjoining structures, which make the

entire floor monolithic, allow the use of hollow core slabs in all structural
applications, even in seismic areas, and together with all kinds of bearing
structures, whether cast in situ, precast or steel.
The efficacy of such connections has been demonstrated in innumerable
tests in the testing laboratories of prestigious universities and assures a
level of structural solidity which is never below what is offered by more
traditional floors requiring more abundant in situ casts of concrete.
Economic advantages
There is a substantial reduction in building times and thus large savings in
machinery and labour.
In fact, labour is kept to a minimum at all stages of production, stocking,
transport, erection and completion of the finished floor at the site.
This very low incidence of labour provides the user with a substantial economic advantage, but requires the producer to make large capital investments and employ qualified personnel, since the entire manufacturing
process is characterized by a very high technological content so as to guarantee high yield in a continuous cycle and at the same time maintain the
high quality standards required by product codes.
Versatility in application
Up to the 1970s hollow core floors were used almost exclusively with the
simple support of steel beams, precast concrete beams and bearing walls.
They were often used as the simple covering of prefabricated industrial
sheds.
The low depths of slabs then produced (10 15 20 25 cm) did not allow
long spans or heavy loads; however, it was in those very years that the most
openminded builders began to insert hollow core slabs in buildings structured with reinforced concrete cast in situ.
The positive union of hollow core slab floor and reinforced concrete beam
cast in such a way as to englobe the slab ends led to unexpected developments in applications and to the generalized use of hollow core floors in all
kinds of buildings.
12
1.3.
Chapter 1
Today, hollow core slabs of large depths allow construction of floors with
spans up to 20 metres under industrial loads, no longer with simple support,
but with restraints of structural continuity and even perfectly fixed ends.
Further advantages of these slabs come from the possibility of their use as a
clear span between beams cast in situ having the same depth as the floor.
These possible applications have favoured the adoption of hollow core floors
in underground construction works where it is of primary importance for the
structure to be monolithic.
Fig.1.2
Hollow core slab floors in a multistorey underground parking

garage
The great versatility of hollow core slabs allows their use not only as floors,
but also as walls of tanks for hydraulic plants, as earth retaining walls in civil
and road works and efficaceously as external and bearing walls for civil and
industrial buildings of all heights.
1.3.
13
14
Chapter 1
Fig.1.3
The hollow core walls of a water treatment tank
Fig.1.4
Hollow core bearing walls and floors in a multistorey

residential building
1.3.
Chapter 1
Numerous examples of multistorey buildings advantageously erected with

such bearing walls demonstrate that all the possible uses of this very special
precast element still have not been exploited fully. Its development
worldwide must therefore be considered as still at the beginning; the future
will certainly see its use in applications that have not yet been conceived.
1.4. Reference to codes

1.4.1. Italian building Standards
The characteristic cross section of hollow core slabs shows some parts where
the concrete is thinner than required by Italian regulations for reinforced and
prestressed concrete.
This, as well as other waivers allowed by the Italian code, is justified by the
special production technologies and materials that go into their production
and as long as the producer constantly meets the quality requisites of the
Italian Ministry of Public Works through "Production in Controlled Series".
Following is a list of rules in force and the specific items dealing with hollow
core slab floors:
-
ITALIAN NATIONAL APPLICATION DOCUMENT (N.A.D.)

FOR EUROCODE 2 ENV 1992-1-1 ACCEPTANCE. Ministerial
Decree dated 9 January 1996, Section III.
par. 2.3.3.2.
schedule 2.3 - Safety factor for prestressed reinforced

concrete.
par. 4.1.3.3.
schedule 4.2 - Minimum cover of prestressing tendons.
par. 4.2.3.5.6. schedule 4.7 - Length of anchoring zone of prestressing

tendons.
1.4.
Reference to codes
15
BUILDING RULES FOR CALCULATION, EXECUTION AND

FINAL INSPECTION OF REINFORCED AND PRESTRESSED
CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION WORKS (Italian building
standard).
Ministerial Decree dated 14 February 1992 for calculation according
to the Allowable Stresses method.
Ministerial Decree dated 9 January 1996, Section I and Section II for
calculation according to the method of Limit States.
Ministerial Explanatory Memorandum dated 15 June 1996
par. 6.2.2.
chapt. 7
par. 7.0.a
Minimum cover for reinforcing steel.

Supplementary rules concerning floors.
Obligatory use of additional bottom reinforcing in supports
of floors capable of absorbing a tensile stress equal to shear.
Waiver of transversal reinforcement (final paragraph).
Specific provision for hollow core floors.
Provisions also valid for hollow core floors.
(second paragraph). Provision valid also for hollow core
floors with concrete topping (minimum depths).
(fourth paragraph). Minimum depth for hollow core floors
without topping.
Provision for hollow core floors with concrete topping.
par.
par.
par.
par.
7.1.4.6
7.3.3.
7.1.6.
7.1.4.2.
par.
7.3.2.
par.
7.3.4.
BUILDING RULES FOR DESIGN, EXECUTION AND FINAL

INSPECTION OF PRECAST CONSTRUCTION WORKS (Italian
Prefab Regulations).
Ministerial Decree dated 3 December 1987 and Ministerial
Memorandum no. 31104, dated 16 March 1989.
par. 2.11.1.3.
16
Chapter 1
Floors. "Production in Controlled Series" obligatory for

prefabricated elements without shear reinforcement or with
thicknesses below 4 cm at any point.
1.4.
Reference to codes
Chapter 1
par. 2.2
In calculations of prestressed elements produced in

Controlled Series the coefficient c = 1.42 is assumed in the
method at Limit States just as a 5% increase in tensions is
assumed in verifications with the Allowable Stresses method.
ANALYTICAL RULES TO EVALUATE THE RESISTANCE TO

FIRE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE AND PRESTRESSED
SUPPORTING MEMBERS.
Memorandum C.N.R.-V.F. UNI 9502.
This is a fundamental document for the analytical calculation of a
structure's resistance to fire.
TECHNICAL RULES AND STANDARDS FOR ACTIONS ON

BUILDING SAFETY VERIFICATION
Ministerial Decree dated 16 January 1996 and Ministerial
Explanatory Memorandum dated 4 July 1996.
This is the Italian document for the application of EUROCODE 1
EN 1991-1 BASIS OF DESIGN AND ACTIONS ON STRUCTURES.
TECHNICAL RULES FOR CONSTRUCTIONS IN SEISMIC

AREAS, Ministerial Decree dated 16 January 1996.
This is the Italian document for application of EUROCODE 8 EN
1998 "DESIGN PROVISIONS FOR EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE OF STRUCTURES.
INSTRUCTIONS CNR 10025/1998 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE

DESIGN, EXECUTION AND CONTROL OF PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURES.
These Instructions dated 10th december 1998, were prepared by the
Working Group Prefabrication of CNR updating the previous
Instructions CNR 10025/1984 in conformity with most recent international recommendations relevant to precast concrete structures.
EN ISO 9000:2000 Standard QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS-FUNDAMENTALS AND VOCABULARY (December

2000).
1.4.
Reference to codes
17
Chapter 1
This indicates the objectives that a company must set itself in order
to satisfy the Customer with continuity, to ensure company management that the pre-established quality standard has been reached and
to assure the purchaser that the specified quality will be delivered.
18
EN ISO 9001:2000 Standard QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - REQUIREMENTS (December 2000).

It promotes the adoption of a process approach to enhance customer
satisfaction by meeting customer requirements. Producers of prefabricated components are involved. Indeed, this Standard considers
all operating stages of a job, from designing to implementation,
erection and servicing once the structure has come into use.
EN ISO 9004:2000 Standard "QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - GUIDELINES FOR PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENTS" (December 2000).
This Standard gives guidance on a wider range of objectives than
does EN ISO 9001:2000, particularly for the continual improvement of an organisation performance and efficency. The effective
application of the system aims to enhance not only customer satisfaction and product quality. It is extended to include the satisfaction
of other interested parties: collaborators, community, associates,
organization partners, suppliers.
EEC DIRECTIVE 89/106 EC CONFORMITY MARK ON

PRODUCTS FOR THE BUILDING INDUSTRY AND RELATIVE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS.
It will come into force as law when ratified by the Council of
Europe as implementation of EEC Directive 89/106. The EC
Conformity Mark will become obligatory for all building products
(as for all other products in circulation in countries belonging to the
European Community). The certificate of conformity will be issued
by national certification and inspection bodies which shall assess
the compliance of the product with the European Product Standard
by carrying out inspection and surveillance of production control.
1.4.
Reference to codes
Chapter 1
To obtain the Certificate of Conformity it will be indispensable for

producers to adopt a Factory Production Control System.
1.4.2. European building Standards

The geometric and strength characteristics of sections as well as calculating,
designing, verifying and acceptance methods refer to European standards in
force at the time this text is being written and are listed below.
EN 206-1 CONCRETE: SPECIFICATION, PERFORMANCE,

PRODUCTION AND CONFORMITY.
This is a most precise and detailed description of the production of
concrete in order to assure the necessary durability as well as quality.
The new version of this Standard also applies to all cases concerning
prefabrication. Deviations are admitted for special elements made
with concrete having a low water/cement ratio, such as hollow core
slabs, if foreseen in specific product standards.
ENV 1991-1 (EUROCODE 1) BASIS OF DESIGN AND

ACTIONS ON STRUCTURES.
This Standard was adopted by Italy with Ministerial Decree dated 16
January 1996.
ENV 1992-1-1 (EUROCODE 2) DESIGN OF CONCRETE

STRUCTURES - PART 1: GENERAL RULES AND RULES FOR
BUILDINGS.
This is the General Standard addressing the needs for strength, behaviour when installed and durability of structures made of reinforced
and prestressed concrete. It does not deal with specific fields but contains the values of safety coefficients approved by CEN-TC 250 and
the general principles of design valid also for prefabricated components in general. This Standard is applicable in Italy as long as the
substitute, integrating and suppressive prescriptions contained in the
General Part and in Sections I and III of Ministerial Decree dated 9
January 1996 are complied with.
1.4.
Reference to codes
19
20
Chapter 1
ENV 1992-1-3 (EUROCODE 2) DESIGN OF CONCRETE

STRUCTURES - PART 1-3: PRECAST CONCRETE ELEMENTS AND STRUCTURES.
This supplies a general basis for the design and building details of
the structures of buildings partly or entirely constructed with prefabricated components.
This part supplies the principles and rules that supplement those
found in ENV 1992-1-1 concerning prefabricated components and
therefore also hollow core slabs.
pr EN 1992-1 (EUROCODE 2 Part 1-2001) DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES PART 1 GENERAL RULES AND
RULES FOR BUILDINGS.
Updated Provisional European Norme covering both ENV 1992-1-1
and ENV 1992-1-3.
ENV 1992-1-2 (EUROCODE 2 Part 1-2) DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES PART 1-2 STRUCTURAL FIRE
DESIGN.
General rules to value fire resistance of reinforced or prestressed concrete structures are supplied by this standard.
ENV 1992-1-4 (EUROCODE 2 PART 1-4) DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES PART 1-4 STRUCTURAL LIGHTWEIGHT AGGREGATE CONCRETE WITH CLOSED STRUCTURES.
At the moment it is not suitable for hollow core slabs.
Pr. EN 1168/1 PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS HOLLOW

CORE SLABS FOR FLOORS" (provisory European Standard).
Some details of hollow core floors, for example the absence of normal transverse reinforcement, make it necessary to apply some specific rules in addition to ENV 1992 -1-3. This standard thus supplies
the rules for special designs not contemplated by ENV 1992 -1-1
and 1-3, but in perfect agreement with their principles of calculation. This standard belongs to a series of product standards dealing
1.4.
Reference to codes
Chapter 1
with concrete prefabricated structures and concerns the characteristics that producers of hollow core slabs must assure in order to
respond to the essential requisites as defined by the Directive on
Building Materials EEC 89/106. As concerns fire-resistance, the
standard refers to ENV 1992 -1-2, (Eurocode 2, Part 1-2). Given the
great importance of this Standard Pr- EN 1168, which deals specifically with hollow core floors, it will be included in the next
ASSAP publication as it will appear in its final version.
ISO 140-3 / IS0 717-1 / ISO 717-2 Standards ACOUSTICS

MEASUREMENTS AND RATING OF SOUND INSULATION IN
BUILDINGS AND OF BUILDING ELEMENTS.
These standards concern hollow core floors for quality assurance of
comfort in the buildings.
ISO 6946 Standard BUILDING COMPONENTS AND BUILDING ELEMENTS THERMAL RESISTANCE AND THERMAL
TRANSMITTANCE CALCULATION METHOD.
This standard is important in determining fire resistance of buildings with hollow core floors or walls.
1.4.3.
Important international documents
Here we mention four documents that are quite important owing to their
authoritative value for consultation in the hollow core floor sector.
1.4.
MANUAL FOR THE DESIGN OF HOLLOW CORE SLABS.

U.S.A. Prestressed Concrete Institute P.C.I., 1985 and subsequent
1998 second edition. This is the first manual devoted to prestressed
hollow core slab floors. It describes the various production systems
and the different kinds of slabs. It indicates the methods for calculation according to ACI Standards, illustrated with meaningful examples and gives full details on design and application criteria to be followed. Structural continuity between slabs and negative moments
Reference to codes
21
Chapter 1
are not provided. It deals with resistance to fire, acoustical behaviour

and quality and tender specifications.
22
FIP Recommendations "PRECAST PRESTRESSED HOLLOW

CORE SLAB FLOORS" (1988).
It represents the first important European document containing principles for the calculation and structural design of hollow core slab
floors on the basis of experience gained in northern Europe with
extruded slabs. No structural restraint is foreseen beyond the simple
support.
FIP Guide to good practice "QUALITY ASSURANCE OF HOLLOW CORE SLAB FLOORS" (1992).
It gives numerous specific rules for acceptability of hollow core
slabs for floors. It is a document of great importance as a reference
work for the acceptability or non-acceptability of the slabs in case of
controversy.
FIB (CEB-FIP) Guide to good practice SPECIAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR PRECAST PRESTRESSED HOLLOW
CORE FLOORS (1999).
The purpose of this Guide is to supplement the existing FIP
Recommendations (1988) in which some rules for design were
incomplete or missing. Much scientific research on different aspects
has been carried out since 1983 at important European universities
and has produced further knowledge on the behaviour of hollow
core floors. Chapter 2 deals with restrained composite supports and
other ASSAP specific application technologies.
1.4.
Reference to codes
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
2.1.
Notes on production technologies
The production of prestressed hollow core slabs takes place in works on

long iron beds (120 150 m) on which prestressing wires are positioned
and stretched.
Casting of concrete is continuous and done with machinery designed specifically for the purpose. Generally speaking, three production procedures
are employed:
The "slipform" procedure with slide mould machines in which concrete is directed into mobile sectors and vibrated by batteries of
vibrators at different frequencies. In slide mould machines casting
takes place in three stages: intrados, webs and extrados to arrive at
completion of the finished slab (Fig. 2.1).
The "extruder" procedure with the use of extruding machines in

which the concrete is forced by special screw-feeders to compact in
a single stage to produce the finished slab section (Fig. 2.2).
A third procedure can be classified as "slipform" even though it

does not employ slipform machines but batteries of vibrating tubes
which are extracted from the artifact in a single stage.
2.1. Notes on production technologies
23
PRODUCTION
24
Chapter 2
Fig. 2.1
Slide-mould machine (slipform procedure)
Fig. 2.2
Extruder
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
Fig. 2.3 Prestressing reinforcement stretched on the casting bed
Fig. 2.4 Continuous casting of concrete
25
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
All production procedures require concrete of the highest quality and

homogeneity both in grain size composition and the cement/water ratio. They
must assure instantaneous stability in shape so as to form the voids, high initial
mechanical strength to allow prestressing and removal from the bed after a
short time, and finally optimum adherence of prestression reinforcement and
any normal reinforcement included in the casting.
Curing is accelerated by homogeneously heating the concrete until the
required degree of strength for release of prestression reinforcement is
reached (fck > 30 35 MPa). This strength is determined experimentally
through the breaking of test pieces that have received the same vibratory and
thermal treatment.
At the time of the compression test (28 days from casting), the concrete will
have cubic strength above fck,cube 55 MPa.
Once the artefact begins to be cast continuously over the entire length of a bed,
operating immediately on still fresh concrete, the cut-outs required by the
design or the holes for vertical canalization are added manually.
In this phase grooves are made in the slab ends for anchoring tie bars, as well
as the transversal holes that may be needed for lifting.
When the concrete is sufficiently hardened and strands are released from their
anchorages, slabs are then cut to the required length with abrasive or diamond
disks.
This is the moment of concrete prestression in each slab.
On removal from the casting bed, the hollow core slabs present the intrados
which is smooth from having been in contact with the metal surface, while the
side faces and the extrados are rough. This assures a good bond with in situ
castings of joins or structural topping.
26
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
Fig. 2.5 Cutting of slabs and their removal from casting bed
Fig. 2.6 Hollow core slab storage yard
27
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
In all production processes of hollow core slabs the following stages are
present:
preparation of the bed, cleaning and treatment with demoulding oil;
laying of steel reinforcement, wires or strands for prestressed concrete

(Fig. 2.3);
stretching of reinforcement with systematic control of tension and

elongation;
continuous casting of concrete (Fig. 2.4);
manual or mechanized intervention on each slab to meet design

functions and sizes;
marking of slabs with design mark, order number, date of production

and weight;
covering of the cast bed with waterproof sheets and possible heating
to accelerate hardening;
systematic control of concrete strength before releasing stretched

wires to prestress the artifact;
transversal cutting to isolate the single slabs (Fig. 2.5);
removal of the slabs from the bed and transportation to storage area
(Figs. 2.5 and 2.6).
Fig. 2.7 Slip-formed slabs with widened webs or special shaped webs
(grandstands for a stadium)
28
2.2. Cross section geometry
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
2.2.1. Types of hollow cores

There are different kinds of hollow core slabs that vary in lateral profile or
design of voids, which may be perfectly round, elliptical or, more often, with
a composite profile.
In general there are voids similar to circles in shallow slabs and elongated
holes with rectilinear sides and joining curves for slabs of greater depth (see
Fig. 2.8).
h 40
h 30
h 20
In the case of elongated forms, special attention is given to the upper and
lower fillets to avoid concentration of stresses and to limit the thickness of the
concrete arches above and below the voids.
As stated previously, the depth of slabs now being produced varies from 12 to
over 80 cm.
On the average, voids represent about 50% of the total slab volume.
Fig. 2.8
Types of voids in hollow core slabs
For elements up to 20 cm in depth voids represent not more than 40%.

With greater depths, the void percentage is between 50 and 70%. Slabs thus
produced are quite low in weight.
29
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
2.2.2. Typical shapes of lateral join faces
h 30
The lateral profile of the different slabs can assume quite variable
configurations (see Figs. 2.9 and 2.10).
Floor slabs possess longitudinal joins open at the top and slot-shaped to allow
grouting in a longitudinal shear-key form to assure transversal transmission of
loads and deformations, even with heavy, concentrated loads.
Fig. 2.9
Lateral profiles in hollow core floor slabs
When the longitudinal join receives and englobes normal tie reinforcement, it
must present two minimum dimensions:
Minimum upper aperture 3 cm wide; if the join must also act as an

edge beam the minimum aperture must be 5 cm (see Italian Prefab
Regualtions, par. 2.11.2.b);
The width of the zone where reinforcement is positioned must be

greater than or equal to three times the diameter of the bar and
compatible with the maximum diameter of the grouting granules (not
less than 6 cm is recommended). When the join also acts as an edge
beam the minimum width of the positioning zone of the reinforcement
must be 8 cm (see same, par. 2.11.2.b).
Fig. 2.10
30
Lateral profiles in hollow core wall slabs
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
On this subject, see also Figs. 3.3 and 3.5 in paragraph 3.3 below.
The longitudinal join faces may also have vertical indentation to improve the
bond of the cast concrete and consequently its diaphragm behaviour (see next
ASSAP Volume).
Slabs used as walls are produced with lateral male-female shapes or with
female-female shapes to allow the proper placing on both faces depending on
how they are to be used.
2.2.3. Thickness of webs and flanges

The design of concrete cross-sections of hollow core slabs is of the utmost
importance. It must start from a careful analysis of the different economic,
technical and regulatory aspects.
After optimization of the cross-sections from the cost and weight viewpoints,
which must also take into account the technology of the machines used in
their casting, regulations in force and good building practice, it is important
to maintain constant control over all stages of production to avoid costly
wastes of concrete due to overthickness or dangerous underthickness causing
weakness of the section.
Minimum depths are set in Chapter 4.3.1 of the EN 1168 Standard. These
must be increased by the amount of specific tolerance of each producer:
Webs
Flanges
bi min
hf min
h/10 [mm]
2h [mm]
20
[mm]
dg + 5 [mm]
(not less than

the largest value)
2h [mm]
17
[mm]
(not less than

the largest value)
dg + 5 [mm]
31
PRODUCTION
hf
Upper flange
Chapter 2
bc /4
h (mm)
= depth of the slab
dg (mm)
= maximum nominal dimension
bc
1,2 hf
hf
1,2 hf
of aggregate
bc (mm)
= width of the portion of the upper

flange between the two sections
having a thickness 1.2 times the
smallest thickness of hf sup
Generally speaking, the thickness of the vertical webs between voids is never
less than 30 35 mm and it increases in slabs of greater depth or more
subject to shear stress.
Slabs of the slipform type can be produced with some wider webs at the
expense of other voids or even by eliminating some of them completely to
increase shear strength (see Fig. 2.7).
The minimum thickness of flanges above and below the voids is usually not
less than 25 or 30 mm.
2.2.4. Distribution and cover of prestressing strands

Attention is drawn to the special care that must go into the study of the zones
in which prestressing reinforcement is placed: the durability and especially
the fire resistance of the slab require strategies that are in contrast with the
exploitation of the maximum reinforcement that can be inserted in the
section.
The problem is addressed in Italian and European regulations for the sole
purpose of assuring the proper distribution and protection of reinforcement,
which must such as to guarantee the functional durability of the structure
once completed (see Fig. 2.11).
Prestressing wires must be positioned below the webs where the concrete
section is such as to assure effective covering. Furthermore, they must be
32
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
distributed in such a way as to be uniform and symmetrical in the cross

section.
In par. 4.3.1.2, the EN 1168 Standard recommends minimum reinforcing of
at least four strands or wires for each element having a width of 1.20 m.
Distance between reinforcing strands or wires
The minimum distance between the surfaces of the strands is not specifically
mentioned in the Italian Standard which, in par. 6.1.4, fixes the centre
distance between strands only for normal reinforcement, which is
20 mm
(not less than

the largest value)
dg
dg
= diameter of the normal steel bar or nominal diameter of strand

= max. nominal dimension of aggregate
Paragraph 4.3.1.2 of EN 1168 Standard and paragraph 5.3.3.1 of European

Standard EC2 ENV 1992-1-1 prescribe the following distances for strands:
minimum horizontal distance
ih
20 mm
(not less than

the largest value)
dg + 5 mm
minimum vertical distance
iv
10 mm
(not less than

the largest value)
dg
For unstirruped structures (hollow core slabs) EC 2 ENV 1992-1-1, par.

4.1.3.3. Point 11, and Standard EN 1168, in par. 4.3.1.3, prescribe the
following limit values for the concrete covering prestressed tendons,
including the allowable tolerance (see Fig. 2.11):
33
PRODUCTION
c = 2
c = 3
Chapter 2
if the distance between centres of the tendons is 3

if the distance between centres of the tendons is < 2.5
= diameter of strand or wire; in the case of varying diameters it is

necessary to consider the mean value.
For ribbed wires, the concrete cover shall be increased by 1 .
25
30
25
1(6/10")
3 1 3
3 3
25
25
25
.4
.4
2
2
30
30.4
25
3(1/2")
25
2(3/8")
.6
18
3(3/8")
of
of
of
Fig. 2.11
34
25
25
25
25
18
.6
25
25
.9
27
18.6
27.9
27.9
25
25
25
18.6 18.6
9.3
2(1/2")
3(1/2")
6/10" strand = 15.2 mm

1/2" strand = 12.5 mm
3/8" strand = 9.3 mm
Correctly placed reinforcement. Having assured control of

production, the minimum design values for a single strand
indicated above for c admit the maximum negative tolerance of 5 mm (EN 1168 par. 4.3.3.1 and ENV 1992-1-1 par.
4.1.3.3. Point 8).
In pr EN 1992-1 (Section 4), the updated version of Eurocode
2, new different values for concrete cover and minimum distance of strands are given. They will be subjected to specific
National Application Document by each CEN member State.
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
Table 2.1
Concrete cover for Class of cylinder/cubic strength C 40/50 N/mm2 in
accordance with Eurocode 2 ENV 1992-1-1 par. 4.1.3.3.
Design cover thicknesses
c (mm)
Exposure classes
Examples of environmental conditions
including a default
tolerance
up to 5 mm
interior of buildings for normal habitation or offices
1
dry environment
2
humid
environments: storehouses, garages, etc.
a
without
frost
-
environment
(commercial, public buildings). Internal, non-aggressive
b
with
frost
25
interior of buildings with high humidity (laundries,

etc.)
external components
components in non-aggressive soils and/or water
30
- external components exposed to freezing temperatures

- components in non-aggressive soils and/or water subject
to frost
- internal components with high humidity and exposed
to frost
35
3
humid
Internal and external components exposed
environment with
to frost and de-icing agents
frost and
deicing salts
4
seawater
environment
50
- components totally or partially immersed in sea water

a
without or exposed to splash.
frost - components in saturated salt air (coastal areas)
50
- components partially immersed in sea water or exposed

to splashing and freezing
- components in saturated salt air and exposed to frosts
50
b
with
frost
The following classes may occur alone or in combination with the classes mentioned above
5
Aggressive
chemical
environment
Slightly aggressive chemical environment

(gases, liquids, solids)
35
Moderately aggressive chemical environment

40
Hightly aggressive chemical environment

50
35
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
As concerns protection against corrosion, it is to be kept in mind that the

minimum thickness for concrete covering prestressing reinforcement
depends on several factors such as maximum dimensions of the aggregate,
mixing water/cement ratio, concrete strength and its chemical and physical composition. Last but not least, the aggressiveness of the environment
in which the structure is erected must be considered.
Italian National Application Document of European ENV 1992-1-1 Code:
in paragraph 4.1.3.3., Table 4.2., takes into account the strength class of the
concrete and the aggressiveness of the environment in fixing cover thickness. Six classes of exposure are indicated. Table 2.1 gives the values for
Italy. Tolerance up to -5 mm is included.
It is also specified that class of exposure - 1 - may be adopted for cover in
the direction of hollow cores.
Different definitions of exposure classes are given in the new Standard EN
206-1 (December 2000) as well as in pr EN 1992-1 (new version of
Eurocode 2) and are reported in Table 2.2 here below.
A correlation between exposure classes in accordance with ENV 1992-11 (see Table 2.1) and updated EN 206-1 (see Table 2.2) is reported in Table
2.3 below.
Further EN 206-1 prescriptions deal with the kind of aggregate and
cement, minimum cement content and the maximum water/cement ratio.
Other, even more severe limits can be imposed for fire safety as indicated
in the chapter to which the reader is referred for further details on the
subject.
36
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
Table 2.2
Exposure classes related to environmental conditions in accordance with
EN 206-1 (December 2000).
CLASS
DESIGNATION
DESCRIPTION OF THE
ENVIRONMENT
INFORMATIVE EXAMPLES WHERE

EXPOSURE CLASSES MAY OCCUR
1. NO RISK OF CORROSION OR ATTACK

XO
For concrete without reinforcement or

Concrete inside buildings with very
embedded metal: all exposures except
low air humidity
where there is freeze/thaw, abrasion or
chemical attack. For concrete with
reinforcement or embedded metal:very dry
2. CORROSION INDUCED BY CARBONATION

XC1
Dry or permanently wet
XC2
Wet, rarely dry
XC3
Moderate humidity
XC4
Cyclic wet and dry
Concrete inside buildings with low

air humidity
Concrete permanently submerged in water
Concrete surfaces subject to long-term
water contact
Many foundations
Concrete inside buildings with moderate
or high air hymidity
External concrete sheltered from rain
Concrete surfaces subject to water contact,
not within exposure class XC2
3. CORROSION INDUCED BY CHLORIDES

XD1
Moderate humidity
XD2
Wet, rarely dry
XD3
Cyclic wet and dry
Concrete surfaces exposed to airborne

chlorides
Swimming pools
Concrete components exposed to
industrial waters containing chlorides
Parts of bridges exposed to spray
containing chlorides
Pavements
Car park slabs
4. CORROSION INDUCED BY CHLORIDES FROM SEA WATER

XS1
XS2
XS3
Exposed to airborne salt but not in direct

contact with sea water
Permanently submerged
Tidal, splash and spray zones
Structures near to or on the coast

Parts of marine structures
Parts of marine structures
5. FREEZE/THAW ATTACK
XF1
XF2
XF3
XF4
Moderate water saturation, without de-icing

agent
Moderate water saturation, with de-icing
agent
High water saturation, without de-icing
agent
High water saturation with de-icing agents
or sea water
Vertical concrete surfaces exposed to rain

and freezing
Vertical concrete surfaces of road
structures exposed to freezing and airborne
de-icing agents
Horizontal concrete surfaces exposed to
rain and freezing
Road and bridge decks exposed to de-icing
agents
Concrete surfaces exposed to direct spray
containing de-icing agents and freezing
Splash zone of marine structures exposed
to freezing
6. CHEMICAL ATTACK
XA1
XA2
XA3
Slightly aggressive chemical environment

according to EN 206, Table 2
Moderately aggressive chemical
environment according to EN 206, Table 2
Highly aggressive chemical environment
according to EN 206, Table 2
Natural soils and ground water

37
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
Table 2.3
Linking table for exposure classes according to ENV 1992-1-1 and both
updated EN 206-1 and pr EN 1992-1.
EXPOSURE CLASSES
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONDITION
MINIMUM PRESCRIPTION
EN 206-1
Water/cement
ratio max.
Minimum
concrete class
DRY
XO
0.65
C 20/25
HUMID without frost
2a
XC1 - XC2
0.60
C 25/30
MODERATE ATTACK
without de-icing salts
2b
XF1
0.55
C30/37
and frost proof aggregates
AGGRESSIVE ATTACK
without de-icing salts
2b
XF3
0.50
aerated C30/37
MODERATE ATTACK
with de-icing salts
3 - 4b
XF2
0.50
aerated C30/37
HIGHTLY AGGRESSIVE ATTACK

with de-icing salts
3 - 4b
XF4
0.45
aerated C35/45
5a
XC3 - XA1
XD1
0.55
aerated C30/37
4a - 5b
XC4 - XA2
XD2 - XS1
0.50
C30/37
5c
XA3 - XD3
XS2 - XS3
0.45
C5/45
WITH FROST
ENV
1992-1-1
SLIGHTLY AGGRESSIVE
MODERATE AGGRESSIVE
HIGHTLY AGGRESSIVE
2.2.5. Examples of cross-section of hollow core slabs, relevant weights

and geometric characteristics with simple support and without
resistance to fire
The range of existing hollow core slabs is so wide in shapes and cross
sections that it is not possible to make a list.
Table 2.4 below offers a short summary of hollow core slabs having same
standard width and typical exemplification of depths.
Typical mean values are given for static and geometric characteristics.
They refer to concrete class C45/55 of the prefabricated slab and C25/30 of
the corroborant topping.
38
600
6.40
7.40
2,500
1,450,000
760
140
2,200,000
870
170
7.30
8.40
2,650
2,200,000
980
170
3,200,000
1080
205
155
720
1,400,000
135
630
900,000
2,300
6.50
5.70
500
120
480
700,000
105
420
465,000
1,900
5.30
4.70
400
100
380
520,000
90
320
315,000
1,600
4.40
4.00
350
90
275
310,000
80
230
205,000
1,450
4.00
3.60
300
80
185
190,000
70
160
120,000
1,180
3.50
3.30
250
60
140
110,000
50
115
66,000
1,130
3.00
2.80
200
45
80
52,000
40
65
27,400
900
2.45
2.30
150
V max with topping

kN
M max with topping

kNm
I with topping
cm4
h of topping
cm
V max without
topping kN
M max without
topping kNm
I without topping
cm4
Max reinforcement
mm2
In situ dead weight

kN/m2
Slab weight
kN/m2
Depth h
mm
The static characteristics

are given for the
standard slab
width of 1200 mm
700
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
Table 2.4
39
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
2.3. Production details

The casting machine (extruder or slip-former) produces hollow core slabs
while advancing at the speed of 1.10 - 1.50 m/min.
Workmen following the machine perform the manual operations on the fresh
concrete needed to meet design specifications (see Fig. 2.12).
Transversal additional
reinforcement for cut-out zones
Opening of
the cores at
the slab ends
Fig. 2.12
Cut out in a slab
Cutting line delimiting

the slab length
Transversal hole for lifting
Manual operations on a slab immediately after casting.
The first operation is the tracing of the cutting line delimiting the length of
the slab with the immediate application of its identifying mark.
Lines for any shaping to be done on the fresh concrete are also drawn.
Following this, some cores at the slab ends are opened, holes for lifting are
drilled and any supplementary normal reinforcement required is added.
Tracing operations are usually performed manually by a qualified operator.
40
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
Electronic plotter machines are now in use. These are based on the CAM
(Computer Aided Manufacturing) method and are expected to become very
common in the near future.
Fig. 2.13
CAM plotter machine equipped with an automatic marking

device.
Direct interventions on the concrete to make cut-outs or add extra reinforcing

bars will continue to be done by hand for a long time to come, possibly with
the aid of hydropneumatic tools for the removal of still-fresh concrete.
When the concrete has hardened sufficiently and the slabs have been
removed from the casting bed, other operations are performed: holes for
draining rain water are drilled and plugs are applied to the ends of the cores
as described in the following paragraphs.
41
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
2.3.1. Open cores at slab ends

The opening of the cores illustrated in Fig. 2.14 is to house and anchor the
normal reinforcing bars required by the design for connection at slab
supports, for the resistance to negative moments and for the absorption of
shearing-bending forces on slab ends.
Fig. 2.14
The open cores at the ends of hollow core slabs
The open cores may vary in number and length depending on static needs
when the longitudinal joins between adjacent slabs, which are usually placed
every 120 cm, by themselves do not allow proper distribution of
reinforcement.
It is important to note that the connection bars at slab ends can be dislocated
every 120 cm only in presence of very moderate loads (roofs and so on) or in
the case of a large support and thus of verified anchoring of the prestressing
strands.
Continuity between hollow core slabs requires a distribution of connecting
bars at least every 60 cm as a safeguard against negative moment.
Continuity between clear span floors requires an even thicker distribution of
connecting bars, at least one every 30 or 40 cm.
The length of the open cores must be calculated in such a way that shear
tension at the interface between the concrete filling the cores and that of the
prefabricated element meet specified values (see paragraph 3.4.1. below,
values of Rdj).
42
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
It is to be noted that in the case of a filled core, in which both the continuity
reinforcement of the floor and the tie bars are anchored, verification of
bonding between the precast and the filling concrete must be performed for
the sum of the stresses involved.
2.3.2. Sheaths for strand neutralization

In some cases with strong reinforcement the neutralization of some tendons
up to about 70 cm in correspondence to the ends of the single hollow core
slabs may be required.
The production cycle, whether by extrusion or slipforming, allows the use of
sheaths to neutralize prestressing strands.
Along the casting bed, at the points at which each slab is to be cut, the segments
of tubular sheathing have to be fixed on the strands which have not yet been
stretched (for the operator's safety) taking into account the amount of
displacement of each fixing point caused by subsequent stretching of the
strand.
This operation must be performed under the supervision of experts for the
reasons given below.
-
On advancing, the casting machine tends to push the sheaths forward

if they are not perfectly attached to the strand to be neutralized.
The use of open sheathing to be inserted on already stretched strands

is not recommended because the concrete would be forced into the
sheath by the machine, thus making it ineffective.
The use of rigid plastic tubes of the kind used for electric cable
ducting, is recommended. Of course the tube must be placed on the
strand before it is anchored for stretching.
43
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
Also not recommended are alternatives such as greasing strands in the

parts to be neutralized or painting strands with substances inhibiting
adhesion of concrete since the advancing of the machine pushes such
substances into areas where they should not be.
2.3.3. Additional reinforcement bars
Fig. 2.15
Example of transverse reinforcement inserted manually into

fresh concrete of a partially supported slab.
There are many reasons for inserting additional reinforcement bars into the
still-fresh concrete of the slabs as shown in Figures 2.12; 2.15; 2.16 and 2.17.
The designer must realize that these operations, although easily
implemented, are costly and can be performed only on a limited number of
slabs for a given order.
44
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
Fig. 2.16
Example of longitudinal reinforcement inserted manually in

the still-fresh hollow core slab in correspondence to a support with a heavily loaded cantilever
Fig. 2.17
Example of the proper anchoring of boltable profiles on the

outer edge of a hollow core slab.
45
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
2.3.4. Cut-outs in hollow core slabs

Very often hollow core slabs must be cut or notched for adaptation to design
geometry.
These operations are performed immediately after casting, when the concrete
is still fresh, with removal of the concrete around the stretched strands so as
to allow the cutting of the strands following hardening.
In any case, the needs of the building design must be compatible with slab
bearing capacity, which can stand limited cut-outs. They must be agreed
upon with the designer and one of the manufacturers engineers.
The cut strands in the zone in which the concrete has been eliminated apply
prestressing in parts of the slab that are far from the ends. This creates
internal stresses which may lead to longitudinal cracking of the concrete
which compromises the integrity of the slab during storage, transportation
and assembly of the structure.
Production managers thus must rely on all their experience when applying
the indispensable precautions to assure the integrity of notched slabs, their
respondence to the needs of dry assembly and finally to maintain the loadbearing capacity of the slab, even in the places weakened by cuts.
Normally speaking, small cut-outs in slab ends do not create any special
problems so long as they do not exceed 40 cm in length or width, just as the
openings in the body of the slab that involve the strands of one or two webs
must not exceed 60 cm in length.
It is in all cases necessary to verify the residual load-bearing capacity of the
notched slab.
In correspondence to larger cut-outs, it is almost always necessary to
reinforce the slab with normal reinforcement embedded in the concrete while
still fresh (see Fig. 2.18).
Special attention is required for slabs placed at the two extremities of a floor.
Lateral cut-outs in edge slabs are to be avoided unless proper stiffening is
applied.
46
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
It is also necessary to prepare for the lifting of the cut out slab by providing
points that assure proper balance when lifted.
Fig. 2.18 gives examples of holes and cut-outs that can be made with the
necessary precautions, which are highlighted below.
Fig. 2.18
Several possibilities of cut-outs and holes that can be made in

120 cm-wide hollow core slabs using the proper techniques
Notch A
- It can be up to 40 cm wide and must be at a distance of not

less than 30 cm from the lateral edge of the slab. When its
length is more than 50 cm transverse reinforcement -a1and longitudinal reinforcement -a2- are required. Verification of shear is necessary.
Holes B
- when their width involves only one core there are no

problems.
Slot C
- when its width involves only one core there are no

contraindications.
47
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
Cut-out D
- it must not be wider than 40 cm; transverse

reinforcement -d- may be necessary and verification of
shear is indispensable.
Notches E
- the width of each half-notch shall never be more than 40

cm; transverse reinforcement -e- and verification of
loadbearing capacity are indispensable.
Cut-out F
- in correspondence to prefabricated pillars - P - the large

cut-outs - F - must lie on metal brackets - p - joined to the
pillar by means of expansion pins.
Cut-out G
- when the size of the offset is below 40 x 40 cm no special

measures are called for, with the exception of shear
checking.
Cut-out H
- when the width is 20 cm no special measures are

required except for calculation of loadbearing capacity.
Holes I
- holes bored in situ are very useful for the passage of lastminute piping. It is indispensable to recalculate
loadbearing capacity owing to interrupted strands.
Half-holes L
- the radius shall not be greater than 40 cm. They are to be

bored in the fresh concrete. Verify residual loadbearing
capacity.
Holes M and N
- width shall not be greater than 30 cm. Residual

loadbearing capacity shall be verified. If length is above
60 cm, it is necessary to add reinforcement - n n - These
holes can also be made in situ with diamond disks.
2.3.5. Ways of lifting

Fig. 2.5 shows the lifting of hollow core slabs by means of a rocker arm with
grip cheeks. The alternative system of lifting with cables and rods (see Fig.
2.19) is quite useful when delivering a limited number of hollow core slabs to
many different construction yards.
48
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
The transversal hole for insertion of the rod has an inner diameter of ~ 40 mm
and weakens, although only slightly, section shear strength.
It is recommended to bore the transversal hole in the lower part of the slab
and to use this type of lifting device with slabs having a thickness of no less
than 20 cm.
In the case of slabs having a maximum thickness of 20 - 24 cm and with a
weight normally limited to 2.4 tons, lifting with forks made of special steel
with a certified maximum load is sometimes resorted to (see Fig. 2.19).
As prescribed by Italian prefab Regulations (Art. 2.2.1.), it is recommended
to verify the shear and cantilever tension at the lifting section by considering
the weight of the slab multiplied by the minimum dynamic coefficient 1.15.
Given the lack of transverse reinforcement in the upper part of the slab
undergoing lifting stresses, it is advisable, for safety's sake, to use emergency
cables with rapid-release spring catches just before their final laying in place
(see Fig. 2.19).
Fig. 2.19
Holes for lifting with cables and blocking rod, or with tested
and certified steel forks. Note the safety cables to be detached
just before placing the slabs in position
49
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
2.3.6. Holes for draining rainwater

It is known that hollow core slabs, after being placed in position, but before
they receive their waterproofing cover, are exposed to the elements and a
great deal of rainwater may accumulate in them.
Indeed, the upper surface of the slabs, even when supplied with concrete
topping, always present discontinuities due to differential shrinkage of
additional casts or to microcracking. For this reason, it is more permeable
than the uniformly compact bottom surface, which is made even more
impermeable by prestressing.
In regions with temperate or warm climates the presence of water in the
hollow cores can create the bothersome problem of dripping water, which
may begin even after a long time from completion of the work.
In colder regions, the englobed water may freeze and cause ugly longitudinal
lesions in the concrete on the lower surface.
Fig. 2.20
50
Boring for the drainage of rainwater. Diameter about 6 - 8 mm
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
It is to be pointed out that even in this case the damage does not involve the
statics of the floor because there is no variation in the prestressed surface.
These problems can be avoided by boring a hole in the intrados of each slab
in correspondence to each void immediately after removal from the casting
bed (see Fig. 2.20).
For this purpose a battery of percussion drills is used when required by
customers.
2.3.7. Plugs for hollow cores

When hollow core slabs having a depth above 20 - 25 cm in the presence of
beams cast in situ or tie beams at intermediate supports, it is recommended
to infill the cores at the slab ends and at the end of the open cores so that the
cast concrete does not penetrate into them, thus causing an unnecessary
increase in weight due to wasted concrete.
Plugs, which may be of polystyrene, pressed plastic or spongy plastic, are
usually placed flush with the end of the floor slab.
Only in the case of clear span floors on beams cast in situ or having the same
depth as the floor, it is indispensable for the plug to be inside the core at a
distance from the slab end at least equal to the depth of the floor, for the
hanging of the slabs.
During vibration of the cast the plug must not be pushed inside the core. For
this reason it must be compressed at the time it is placed in the core or held in
position with a blocking device of some kind.
51
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
Polystyrene plug. It is positioned

flush with the outside of the end of
the slab and in such a way as to
close the open cores.
Pressed plastic plug. It is positioned

flush with the outside of the slab end
or, if placed inside the core in depth, it
is held in place by two metal bars
placed vertically from above in the
fresh slab.
Spongy polyurethane plug used
exclusively inside the core. It holds
its position owing to the force of
expansion it exerts.
Fig. 2.21
Plugs for hollow cores.
2.3.8. Devices for eliminating camber deviations

Because of normal production tolerances, different production, and therefore
hardening times, and sometimes because of the different positions in which
slabs are stored, there may be different prestressing and creep values in slabs
of the same kind with identical reinforcement. Thus, when they are mounted
they may show different cambers which show up at the intrados of adjacent
slabs.
52
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
These eccessive differences can be corrected and brought to acceptable

values by means of special devices that must be applied prior to the casting of
longitudinal joins (see Fig. 2.22).
The devices illustrated here work best with the thinnest slabs and usually
consist of screw clamps or steel rod struts.
In the case of thick slabs it is necessary to apply two or even three clamps to
reduce a single defect in camber. Naturally it is necessary to isolate the clamp
from the concrete so that it can be removed freely as soon as the surrounding
cast is sufficiently hardened, which is to say after about 2 or 3 days.
As an alternative to clamps it is possible to use steel rod struts to hold the
lateral profile of the unaligned slab in the correct position. The lower slab
must be pushed upwards and held there by one or two struts. The
conformation of the profile must be such as to facilitate blocking.
Fig. 2.22
Example of a screw clamp and a 16 mm steel rod strut to

reduce defects in camber.
53
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
2.4. Dimensional tolerances

The geometric dimensions of the single hollow core slabs and the spatial
coordinates of their relative positioning may be slightly different from
nominal design values so long as the dimensional variations are acceptable for
the structure being built. These dimensional variations are called tolerances.
For components having a static function, tolerances must be defined in the
plans of the project so as not to compromise the safety of the structure in the
various stages of its life.
There are three groups of tolerances which sometimes tend to add to one
another, thus making them more critical:
-
tolerances in the production of the artefact (or dimensional tolerances);
tolerances in assembly of the artefact;
tolerances of centre distances between loadbearing structures prepared

in situ to receive the component.
All these tolerance limits must be clearly indicated by the designer as a

function of the type of loadbearing structure; these values must be taken into
account in checking safety of the structure.
As a rule, the following tolerances for hollow core slabs will be used. They
have been taken from Eurocode 2 ENV 1992-1-1, from the standard EN 1168
and from the FIP document entitled QUALITY ASSURANCE OF
HOLLOW CORE SLAB FLOORS.
Designers or manufacturers may adopt tolerance values different from the
ones indicated herein so long as they are clearly indicated in the plans and so
long as the entire project conforms to planned values.
54
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
As concerns other problems in the acceptability of hollow core slabs,

designers may consult FIP document: "QUALITY ASSURANCE OF
HOLLOW CORE SLAB FLOORS" which is sometimes used as a contract
reference document in the supplying of hollow core slabs for floors.
2.4.1.
Tolerances in dimensions and assembling
h
d
s
2
2
hf
hf
bi
bi
bi
c
ci
hf
bi
c
c
cg
hf
c
c
a
Fig. 2.23
Geometric references for dimensional and assembly tolerances
55
PRODUCTION
Chapter 2
Maximum deviations:
1) Length (l ) of slab (EN 1168 par. 4.3.1.5.2)
When the support lenght is minimum, a smaller
deviation value is recommended.
(FIP ASSURANCE Table 4 point 1)
25 mm
2) Width (b) for a standard slab (EN 1168 par. 4.3.1.5.2)

5 mm
For slabs under standard size
15 mm 25 mm
Width is measured at the widest point of the slab
for h 150 mm
for h = 440 mm
For other heights linear interpolation is applied
(EN 1168 par. 4.3.1.5.1.a)
3) Slab height (h)
4) Nominal minimum web thickness.

Individual web (bi)
Total per slab (bw)
(EN 1168 par. 4.3.1.5.1.b)
-5 mm + 10 mm
15 mm
- 10 mm
- 20 mm
5) Nominal minimum flange thickness above and below the cores.

Individual flange (hf)
- 10 mm + 15 mm
Mean value (above or below)
- 5 mm
(EN 1168 par. 4.3.1.5.1.c)
6) Position of lower prestressing steel reinforcement.
Individual strand or wire (ci)
For h 200 mm
For h > 200 mm
Mean value per slab (cg)
(EN 1168 par. 4.3.1.5.1.d)
56
10 mm
15 mm
7 mm
Chapter 2
PRODUCTION
7) Concrete covering tendons (c) and centre distance (i)

between strands.
Deviations with respect to minimum design values
if verified by quality control of production
(EC2 - ENV 1992 -1-1 par. 4.1.3.3. Point 8)
8) Misalignment (g) of cut with disk saw
9) Sweep (s)
for l 12 m
for l > 12 m
- 5 mm
10 mm
5 mm
10 mm
10) Camber (d)

(see par. 5.7 Chapter 5).
Mean deviation from calculated value
Maximum deviation for singular slabs
Maximum calculated camber shall be limited to
l /1000
l /500
l /300
11) Openings, blockouts and fixing plates (l1 and l2).

Cut-outs in fresh concrete
Holes bored in hardened concrete
Fixing plates moored at works
25 mm
15 mm
20 mm
12) Lack of flatness in single slab due to helicoidal torsion.

Maximum deviation from flatness
15 mm
57
PRODUCTION
13)
Chapter 2
Slippage of strands into slab end lo (See Table 2.3)

(for calculation see EN 1168 par. 4.2.3.2. and EC2 ENV
1992-1-1 par. 4.2.3.5.6. point 4 and Table 4.7).
Values given here are applicable in the following circumstances:
- concrete strength on release of strands
fck = 30 N/mm2
- steel stress following release
pmo = 1250 N/mm2
- upper bound value of transmission length
lbpd = 84
Table 2.3 (See example of calculation 3.5 in paragraph 3.5.4.)

Mean value lo
Single tendon 1.3 lo
Strand 33 mm 6.5 mm
1.4 mm
1.8 mm
Strand 3/8"
9.3 mm
2.0 mm
2.6 mm
Strand 1/2"
12.5 mm
2.6 mm
3.4 mm
Strand 0,6"
15.2 mm
3.1 mm
4.1 mm
Tendon
58
Nominal
14)
Minimum nominal design support length ls min

EC2 ENV 1992-1-3 Art. 4.5.5.2.:
65 mm 100 mm
Maximum deviation on assembly
-25 mm
ITALIAN prefab Regulations (par. 2.4.1.):
minimum final support length following assembly
50 mm
minimum temporary support length during assembly
30 mm
15)
Defect in camber (a) between adjacent slabs.

The defect is acceptable when it is less than
Or when it is lower than a contractually defined
value chosen between the limit values of
(FIP ASSURANCE par. 6.1.3.)
Such values are also acceptable as residual defect
in camber following adjustment during assembly.
l /1000
8 mm and 15 mm
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
3.1. Introduction
Prestressed hollow core slabs, as they leave the manufacturers plant, are selfbearing horizontal structures capable of bearing, even just placed on their
supports, the overloads for which they have been designed.
The simplest and most widespread use of hollow core slabs is in the
formation of simply supported floors, with no in situ casting, with the
exception of longitudinal joins between adjacent slabs.
Many applications, however, require more highly advanced designs.
It is possible, for example, to connect slabs to bordering structures in such a
way as to obtain more complex static functions which are applicable to
buildings that need monolithic structures and prolonged durability in time.
Thus it is possible to design and implement fixed ends, static continuity
between floors, transverse diffusion of concentrated loads, the support of the
floor as a clear span between beams cast in situ, the diaphragm action even
in anti-seismic buildings and so on.
The detailed study of static peculiarities and connections that are presented
in this chapter and the following one are fundamental in dealing with special
cases in which a specific, high-level engineering solution is required.
3.1.
Introduction
59
Chapter 3
3.2. Floor depth

Under the heading TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS (see paragraph 1.3
above) it was illustrated that the hollow core floor, with the same inertial
moment as other kinds of floors, is more rigid and much less prone to longterm deformation owing to the very high strength of concrete and thus its
greater modulus of elasticity.
For these reasons hollow core floors can be much thinner than other kinds of
floors with the same span and loadbearing capacity.
The availability of thin floors is of primary importance in buildings where
there are severe limits on height and volume, and also in underground works
where every extra centimetre of excavation means an increase in costs.
However, special care must be used when designing particularly thin hollow
core floors to avoid the following aesthetic and technical problems:
excessively accentuated camber;
defects in camber visible at the intrados between adjacent slabs due to

inevitable differences;
possibility of separation between slabs that are too thin and the
concrete topping (as discussed in paragraph 3.4.1 below);
possibility of cracking in rigid or glass partition walls;
possibility of poor working of frames.
To safeguard the proper working and the aesthetics of structures, both Italian
Standard (Chapt. 7) and Instructions CNR 10025/98 (par. 2.2.1) are oriented
towards the prescription of a ratio between design span and floor thickness
of lc/h which is deemed adequate to meet rigidity requisites.
60
3.2. Floor depth
Chapter 3
For hollow core floors without a concrete topping (Italian Standard Art.
7.3.2.) the following slenderness ratios are to be complied with:
floors with simple support
lc/h 35
partially restrained or continuous floors
lc/h 42
For hollow core floors with concrete topping of thickness s it is possible to

consider the contribution of the topping even if its concrete class is usually
C25/30 with respect to the precast concrete class C45/55. In this case the
following slenderness ratios are to be complied with CNR 10025/98
Instructions, par. 2.2.1:
floors with simple support
lc
h + s/2
partially restrained or continuous floors
lc
h + s/2
35
42
Both Standards admit a waiver from above prescriptions for floors used as
roofs only, so long as they are not flat covers of civil buildings with internal
partitions.
Both Standards admit exceptions from the limits given above even when
proper experimentation on prototypes is supported by calculations that take
into account nonlinear behaviours, cracking and creep.
In such a case, both experimentation and calculation shall demonstrate that:
a)
the incremental instantaneous elastic deflection caused by rare

combination of actions is
b)
lc/1000
the incremental deflection at infinite time caused by quasipermanent combination of actions is
3.2. Floor depth
lc/500
61
Chapter 3
Naturally the incremental deflections considered here will be counted

starting from the situation of the unloaded assembled floor and will be
measured from the lowering undergone by the middle section of the floor
under permanent and accidental actions foreseen in a) and b), neglecting any
initial camber of the floor without loads.
As concerns minimum thicknesses of simple penthouse roofs, even though
not contemplated by regulations, the following slenderness ratios are
recommended:
for roofs with simple support
lc/h 50
for continuous roofs
lc/h 55
The attention of the designer is drawn to the question of flat roofs that are too
thin which, in the presence of very occasional loads, may become
catchbasins unable to discharge rainwater.
For this kind of roof the same limits required for loadbearing floors are
recommended.
The slenderness ratio of hollow core slabs used
as infill walls may be
l/h 60
3.3. Longitudinal join shape

The proper static behaviour of the hollow core floor depends to a large degree
on the efficiency of the longitudinal joins, which are made by means of the in
situ casting of the raceways created by placing side by side two slabs whose
sides are shaped for the purpose (see Fig. 3.1).
62
Chapter 3
This union effectively contributes to assuring the monolithic state of the

floor. The capacity of the floor to distribute concentrated loads transversally
depends on it through the obtaining of the corroboration of adjoining slabs
along experimentally verified lines of influence.
Fig. 3.1
Longitudinal joins
The longitudinal join acts as a cylindrical hinge capable of transmitting

vertical shearing stresses but not flexural moments.
As can be understood intuitively, the hollow core floor can be considered
theoretically as a series of beams joined together by means of cylindrical
hinges.
This theoretical consideration describes the behaviour of the structure with
an accuracy that is directly proportional to how closely the single slabs can
be considered as beams.
On the other hand, when the single hollow core slabs are more similar to
plates, it is better to consider them as a series of plates joined together by
means of cylindrical hinges (see Fig. 3.2).
i
Fig. 3.2
Lines of influence of a concentrated load on a hollow core

floor considered as a series of hinged plates.
(Prof. A. Migliacci - 1967 - Politecnico of Milan)
63
Chapter 3
The transverse distribution of loads also depends on the number of slabs

adjacent to the directly loaded union: distribution is poor if the load does not
have a sufficiently wide length of floor on both sides.
When a hollow core floor has a corroborant concrete topping reinforced with
a resistance-welded mesh, the longitudinal join acts as a cylindrical hinge
only in the case of downward deflection, while upward deflection is inhibited
by the tensile strength of topping reinforcement.
In this case the join, besides transmitting shear stresses, also transmits
transverse negative moments (see Fig. 3.3).
Fig. 3.3
Longitudinal join with reinforced or non-reinforced topping
When the longitudinal join must contain tie reinforcement, according to the
Italian Prefab Regulations (Art. 2.11.2.b), it is considered as an edge beam
and must have a minimum width of 5 cm and an average width of 8 cm (see
Fig. 3.4).
These dimensions of the longitudinal join acting as the housing for normal
reinforcement are valid especially in seismic areas, but are also
recommended for non-seismic areas for the following reasons:
64
Chapter 3
3 cm lacking reinforcement
5 cm with tying reinforcement
1 cm
6 cm with connecting reinforcement

8 cm with tying reinforcement
Fig. 3.4
Longitudinal join: minimum dimensions in presence of

connecting reinforcement and when tying reinforcement is
called for (Italian Prefab Regulations, par. 2.11.2 b point 3)
30 mm
30 mm
35 mm
+20 mm
+2dg
10 mm
10 mm
30 mm
5 mm
dg
Fig. 3.5
Longitudinal join: shapes and minimum dimensions (proposed

in the European Standard EN 1168 Art. 4.3.1.4 and
Informative Annex B)
65
Chapter 3
normally, a part of the connecting reinforcement of the floors is placed

in the upper part of the join; this reinforcement must be completely
embedded in the concrete;
the connecting reinforcement between the hollow core floor and

beams cast in situ without support for the floor is placed in both the
upper and lower parts of the join; the embedding of this reinforcement
must assure the greatest functionality and protection;
in correspondence to the supports, however they may be made, a part

of the reinforcing bars for the transmission zone must be placed at the
lowest possible level in the join raceway (Italian Standard, Art. 5.3.1.).
This reinforcement must be well embedded in the concrete.
Special attention is required during the casting of concrete in longitudinal

joins to make sure that shear stresses are transmitted properly.
The FIP Guide Quality assurance of hollow core slab floors (point 6.3),
prescribes the minimum class of the casting (C20 C25), the maximum
diameter of the aggregate (not above 8 mm), the consistency of the casting,
the cleanliness of the raceway and especially that the conglomerate must not
present cracks due to shrinkage later on.
In presence of special cyclic or vibrating loads it is necessary to use more
resistant concrete, possibily with the predisposition of pockets for the
inclusion of transverse connecting stirrups.
It is to be pointed out here that the term "longitudinal join", is used in this
book in place of the more common "longitudinal joint" since the term "join"
means connection between structural components capable of transmitting
stresses.
On the other hand, by "joints" is meant spaces between structural
components allowing mutual shifts without the transmission of stresses.
66
Chapter 3
3.4.
Concrete topping on the hollow core floor
Hollow core floors usually do not require topping. But it is called for when
it is necessary to provide a loadbearing capacity greater than that allowable
for a floor without topping, or when plans require discrete or continuous
transverse reinforcement.
Usually reinforcement embedded in the topping is in the form of a
resistance-welded mesh.
In reality, the topping, even when made of concrete having a characteristic
strength of only half that of the concrete used in the precast slab, increases
the inertia of the floor, thus making it capable of supporting loads that are
greater than those that can be borne by the floor without topping.
Topping improves the overall rigidity of the floor and, especially when
reinforced, notably increases the transversal distribution of concentrated
loads.
It also favours the plate or diaphragm action of the floor (see Italian
Standard, par. 7.3.1.). Consequently, hollow core floors used in the
construction of small bridges are usually designed with a reinforced
topping.
In the hollow core floors of industrial buildings and garages, where loads are
mobile, the reinforced concrete topping is often quartz smoothed so as to
have a low-cost finish.
Italian Standard (par. 7.3.4.) states that to be statically corroborant, the cast
in situ topping must have a thickness of at least 4 cm, and be reinforced with
a resistance-welded mesh.
The Italian Prefab Regulations (par. 2.11.1.3) make it obligatory in seismic
areas for floors composed of precast elements to have transversal
reinforcement capable of transmitting horizontal stresses.
For hollow core floors in seismic areas it is thus convenient to include in the
topping the transversal reinforcement connecting the peripheral ties.
3.4. Concrete topping on the hollow core floor
67
Chapter 3
3.4.1. Interface shear capacity between in situ topping and precast slab
It is essential to be attentive to problems of solidation between the cast in situ
concrete topping and the upper surface of the slab which has already
hardened for some time. This is also true of the reinforced cast of an open
core or a longitudinal join and the slab itself.
The Italian Standard (par. 7.1.6.2.) imposes verification that serviceability
limit state for shear stress between a precast slab and concrete cast in situ
shall be less than 0.30 N/mm2 for a smooth contact surface and less than 0.45
N/mm2 for a rough surface.
The European Standard ENV 1992-1-3 and the updated pr EN 1992-1 are far
more cautious on this subject since they are quite similar in prescribing that
between precast concrete and concrete cast in situ (thus also between the
topping and the hollow core slab or between the casting of an open core and
the precast slab, the longitudinal shear stress
sdj calculated at the interface
shall not be above the following value at the Ultimate Limit State (ULS):
sdj Rdj
with
Rdj = ktRd + N + fyd ( sin + cos )

and, in any case, when stirrups connect concrete topping to the slab, it is also
necessary to verify the following condition:
Rdj 0.5 fcd

where
Rdj = design shear resistance per surface unit at the ULS.

= efficiency factor ~ 0.5
fcd
= design value of cylinder compressive strength of topping concrete

or concrete cast in the join between two slabs and in open cores (see
Table 5.1 in Chapter 5, below)
kt
= 1.4
and
= 0.6 for extruded or slipformed surfaces

(ENV 1992-1-3 par. 4.5.3.3 Tab. 4.115)
68
Chapter 3
kt
= 1.8
and
= 0.7 for surfaces raked to a depth of at least

3 mm (same Table).
Rd = 0,25 fctk 0.05 / c design shear strength (values are given in

Table 5.1, Chapter 5, below)
= tension per surface unit of an external vertical force (if this is

present); N is positive if the vertical force causes compression and
negative if it causes traction; in any case N 0.6 fcd
= As/Ac
with
As =
area of the stirrups crossing the joining

surfaces (if present)
and
Ac =
area taken into account for shearing

stress
fyd
= calculated value of tensile strength of reinforcement
= angle between reinforcement and the surface of the join, but 45
= friction coefficient.
and 90
Lacking metal links and external vertical forces it must therefore be
Sdj Rdj =
kt Rd
This signifies that with a concrete topping having characteristic

cylinder/cube strength of C 25/30 we have (Table 5.1 Chapter 5, below being
c = 1.6):
fck
Rd
fcd
= 25 N/mm2
= 0.28 N/mm2
= fck/c = 15.6 N/mm2
Thus the maximum interface shear resistance Rdj between concretes at ULS
will be:
-
for extruded or slipformed surfaces (kt = 1.4)
Rdj = 0.39 N/mm2
for surfaces raked to a depth of at least 3 mm (kt = 1.8)
Rdj = 0.50 N/mm2

-
with metal connections it may be
Rdj = 3.90 N/mm2
69
Chapter 3
The maximum value sdj 0.39 N/mm2 may be considered acceptable even
for cast open cores containing normal reinforcement, so long as there is no
possibility of longitudinal cracking. In the case of a longitudinal join cast
between two adjacent slabs and containing connecting reinforcement the
average shear value must be limited to:
Rdj 0.1 N/mm2
as prescribed in paragraph 4.5.3.3, point 106, of the ENV 1992-1-3 Standard.
Coming back to the case of the interface between the cast topping and the top
of the hollow core slab, it is so vast that in practical cases the shear value is
always
< 0.20 N/mm2 in the Serviceability Limit State.
Static behaviour would thus appear to be safeguarded in all cases, even

without the rough surface of the slab. But in some cases there may be
detachment of the topping from the slab in the presence of special conditions:
floor too thin deflected by the frequent passage of mobile loads;
presence of vibrating or cyclic loads inducing a loss of adherence due

to fatigue and/or a different elastic response between the concrete of
the topping and that of the slab;
presence of dust or impurities on the surface of the slab prior to the

casting of the topping;
presence of stagnant water on the prefabricated floor prior to casting of

the topping.
To eliminate the possibility of detachment it is therefore always preferable to

corrugate the top surface of the slab by means of a special rake applied to the
70
Chapter 3
casting machine and to wash down the surface prior to cast the topping
avoiding puddles.
In presence of shear stress
> 0.20 N/ mm2 in S.L.S. it is also
recommended to insert joining stirrups in the longitudinal joins and open

cores at the ends of the floor slab.
As indicated in Fig. 3.6, these stirrups must emerge from the extrados of the
hollow core slabs for anchorage of the topping.
Further verification of the mesh-reinforcement of the topping and the linking
stirrups may be made necessary by so-called second-order tensions when
shear stresses or axial compression stresses in the topping exceed mean
values. These actions may be met when:
-
tractions in the topping due to its shrinkage with respect to the alreadyhardened concrete may require additional reinforcement at supports
(these tractions may however be compensated for by creep in the
concrete of the precast slab and by the consequent greater compression
of the topping under service loads;
elastic instability of the topping excessively compressed by service

loads may require some additional stirrups between topping and slab
in correspondence to the floor centre line.
Fig. 3.6
Possible connecting reinforcement between hollow core

floor and the corroborant cast in situ topping
71
Chapter 3
3.5. Prestressing
The main reinforcement of hollow core slabs is composed of steel wires or
strands with a high elastic limit prevalently positioned underneath the
vertical webs, where the section of concrete allows optimum covering of the
steel.
The pattern of the reinforcement remains rectilinear for the entire length of
the artifact.
The wires or strands are strained prior to casting. When released, they
exercise a force which, through the steel-hardened concrete bond, stresses
the floor slab, thus inducing higher compression stresses on the bottom side
and lower stresses, or even traction, on the upper side.
Prestressing contrasts positive flexural moments acting on the structure, thus
neutralizing tractions which would be induced on the bottom side of the
precast slab. At the same time it reduces compressional stresses on the upper
side if there are pre-existent tractions in it.
In thinner hollow core slabs (up to about h = 20 25 cm), the centre of

gravity of the prestressing steel often remains within the inertial core of the
transverse section and therefore prestressing does not generate tractions in
the concrete at the upper side.
In hollow core slabs of 25 or more cm in thickness the centre of gravity of

strands always remains below the inertial web core, thus generating tractions
at the upper side. The greater the eccentricity and diameter of the tendons the
greater the traction generated (see Fig. 3.7).
In such a case there may be cracking during handling, transportation and the
lifting into place of the slab when tractions due to the weight of slab ends that
jut out from the lifting devices are added to those of prestressing tractions.
72
3.5. Prestressing
Chapter 3
h
k
eo
Fig. 3.7
The inertial core and the eccentricity of a prestressing tendon
Eccessive tractions in the concrete on the upper side also generate

accentuated cambers in the slabs. These can be reduced by adding
prestressing reinforcement in the upper part of the element.
The design of a prestressed hollow core structure considers the whole cross
section as entirely reacting and it limits tractions in the concrete to acceptable
values in the elastic field.
At the two extremities of the slab, for a length called the "anchorage zone" or
"transmission zone" of the tendons, we have the development of prestressing
from zero up to the value of total prestressing (see Fig. 3.8).
The transmission length is equal to 70 diameters of the strand for the Italian
Standard (Art. 3.2.9), while for Eurocode 2 ENV 1992-1-1, (Art. 4.2.3.5.6.
schedule 4.7) it depends on the surface characteristics of the tendons and the
real characteristic strength of the concrete at the time of the application of
prestressing. For this reason it may even be greater than 70 diameters.
For the Italian Standard (Art. 3.2.9) the "anchorage" or "transmission" zone
is to be considered not prestressed and thus must be verified for shear and
3.5. Prestressing
73
Chapter 3
flexural moment like a normal partialized cross section of normal reinforced

concrete whose traction strength is assured by the addition of normal
reinforcing bars which, in the hollow core slab, are embedded in the longitudinal joins and in the open cores.
For the Italian Standard as for Eurocode 2 (ENV 1992-1-1, Art. 4.2.3.5.6),
prestressing in the anchorage zone develops from zero to 100% following a
parabolic law which, for conveniency's and safety's sake can be assimilated
to a linear growth having the length of anchorage as shown in Fig. 3.8.
po
100%
~70
Fig. 3.8
Development of prestressing in the anchorage zone
3.5.1. Tensile forces in the transmission zone

Anchorage by bonding of the prestressing tendons is greatly influenced by
the presence or absence of cracking in the transmission zone.
To avoid all cracking it is therefore indispensable to verify traction stresses
in the anchorage zone as prescribed by Eurocode 2 ENV 1992-1-1, Art.
4.2.3.5.6. points 7, 8 and 9 and by the Italian Standard.
Following is an analysis of the main traction stresses in the anchorage zone of
the prestressed hollow core slab dealt with in the Standard EN 1168,
74
3.5. Prestressing
Chapter 3
Art. 4.3.1.6 and in the FIP Quality Assurance document, Fig. 14 and Table 3.
Cracking situations in the anchorage zone are caused by tensile forces named
bursting, splitting and spalling.
Bursting tensile force

Bursting is generated by strand slippage into the slab end. The end of the
stretched strand may, on being cut, widen slightly to become a wedge which,
on shrinking into the concrete, even slightly, may create traction stress.
Incorrectly positioned strands in too-narrow concrete sections may cause
bursting as shown in Fig. 3.9.
The length of cracks of this kind is usually no more than 8 10 cm and the
only consequence is the lengthening of the anchorage zone to the length of
the crack.
These cracks may favour the slippage of strands beyond acceptable limits
(see paragraph 3.5.4 below).
These problems do not arise when the thicknesses of the covering of strands
of 2 are complied with as indicated in Fig. 2.11 and paragraph 2.2.4
herein, since in these cases bursting is easily contained by the concrete and
causes no problems.
Fig. 3.9
Bursting may cause small cracks to appear in the hollow core

slab end
3.5. Prestressing
75
Chapter 3
Splitting tensile force

These stresses are caused by the development of prestressing in the
anchorage zone as shown in Fig. 3.10.
The progressive anchorage of the tensioned strand gradually transfers
prestressing forces to the concrete.
These forces, since they have a sloping trend, generate traction stresses in the
concrete.
If the latter are greater than the chararacteristic tensile strength of the concrete,
they may generate a typical horizontal crack going from one strand to another
to the point of almost causing detachment of the lower edge of the slab.
These lesions, like those caused by bursting, are of limited depth and
represent a problem of aesthetics at the slab end.
As in the case of bursting, cracks may lengthen the anchorage zone to the
length of the cracks and may also favour strand slippage into the slab end
concrete.
Splitting is avoided by maintaining the distance between strands and cover
requirements indicated in paragraph 2.2.4 above.
These lesions, if any, involve the support zone of the slab. Thus, since their
extension is quite limited, the slab remains acceptable.
Fig. 3.10
76
Splitting at the slab end may cause a small crack that unites
strands that are too close together.
3.5. Prestressing
Chapter 3
Spalling tensile force

This is not to be confused with splitting since it occurs above the axis of the
strands in the zone of the hollow core slab end where the webs are at its
minimum width (see Fig. 3.11).
These stresses are also caused by development of prestressing in the concrete
of the slab ends where only the lower part holding the strands begins to be
prestressed.
This anchorage zone undergoes a combined compressive and bending stress
which tends to detach it from the still nearly inert upper part.
The combined compressive and bending stress takes place through stress flow
lines whose direction is not parallel to the axis of the slab (see Fig. 3.12).
sp
Fig. 3.11
Spalling may cause lesions in the prestressed slab end
Vertical components of the stress are tensile forces quite accentuated near the
slab headpieces and are rapidly damped in the adjoining cross sections.
In presence of excess tendons, tensile stresses may be greater than tensile
strength of the concrete at the time of sectioning the single slabs. This in turn
may lead to horizontal cracks which are commonly known by manufacturers
as "wolf's mouths" or "crocodile mouths".
3.5. Prestressing
77
Chapter 3
h= cm 20
~ cm 35
Fig. 3.12
Principal stresses in the end of a prestressed hollow core slab

having depth 20 cm with 3 3 mm strands.
Finite element modelling with prestressing introduced on the
basis of the experimental adherence curve of 3 3 mm
strand.
(Prof. Franco Levi and Renzo Perazzone, April 1983)
The vertical or sloped segments in boldface indicate spalling
stresses on a proportional scale.
The horizontal or thin sloped segments indicate prestressing
stresses on a proportional scale
It has been observed that when fissures begin to appear in the webs, they
quickly extend to great length.
This has been verified and confirmed in calculations with a finite element
model of the opening of a horizontal fissure gradually advancing and by
calculating stresses at different points of the structure (see Fig. 3.13).
When a hollow core slab exhibits a horizontal crack in one web only, it may
still be accepted following an evaluation of possible consequences. When a
spalling crack appears in two or three webs the slab has to be rejected (FIP
Quality Assurance document, Table 3 point 4).
Horizontal cracks at extremities may progress during transportation and
lifting and this reduces shear strength.
78
3.5. Prestressing
h= cm 24
Chapter 3
~ cm 35
Fig. 3.13
Principal stresses at the end of a prestressed hollow core slab

having depth 24 cm and tendons 3 3 mm.
Finite element model of the triggering of a crack in the first
cross section of the slab end.
(Prof. F. Levi and R. Perazzone, April 1983
To reduce spalling tensile stresses in webs reinforced with two or more

strands, a strand is normally sheathed, thus neutralizing it, for a length of
50 70 cm from the ends.
3.5.2. Control of spalling tensile stress in the webs

The European Standard EN 1168, Art. 4.3.1.6, requires calculation of the
spalling stress in the webs most prestressed.
This is even more important in the presence of suspended floors or those with
a clear span between beams, also when they have same depth as the floor.
Indeed, suspension stress is added to that of spalling in the webs (see
paragraph 4.4.4 below). Spalling cracks must obviously be avoided.
The same article of Standard EN 1168 gives the rule to apply, which is also
given here, to verify this requisite.
3.5. Prestressing
79
Chapter 3
Spalling shall be checked for the most reinforced web.

If the web is reinforced with strands of different diameters, the resulting
stress to be considered is the sum of the single spalling stresses.
In the calculation of spalling the reinforcement near the upper side is
disregarded and only the lower reinforcement of a single web is taken into
account (see Fig. 3.14).
Spalling sp must satisfy the condition:
sp
fctk0.05
(Standard EN 1168 Art. 4.3.1.6)
sp
for upper
tendons
sp
sp
for lower
tendons
sp
Representation of spalling intensity sp generated by the lower

tendons and the upper tendon in a web of the hollow core slab.
Fig. 3.14
in which:
fctk0.05
= lower characteristic value of concrete tensile strength at the time

that the tendons prestress is released (see Table 5.1 in Chapter 5,
below).
80
fctk0.05
= 0.7 fctm = 0.7 0.3 fck2/3 [N/mm2]
fck
= Characteristic compressive cylinder concrete strength [N/mm2]
3.5. Prestressing
Chapter 3
sp
P0
bi e0
15 e2,3 + 0.07
lbp 1,5
(1.3e + 0.1)
1+
e0
[SP]
) )
where:
bi
= minimum web width;
Po
= po Ap = force transmitted by the steel in the considered web;
po
= stress in the steel at the time of verification;
Ap
= area of the prestressing steel;
eo
= eccentricity of the prestressing steel;
= (eo - k)/h = eccentricity ratio;
= W/A = inertial core radius;
= height of the web;
lbp
= mean value of the length of transmission = b

(see EC2 - 4.2.3.5.6);
= transmission coefficient;
= nominal diameter of the strand or wire.
Examples of calculation
Example 3.1
Let us consider, at the time of prestressing, a web of a slip-formed hollow
core slab having depth h = 300 mm, as in the section shown below.
Reinforcement consists of two 0.5 strands the axis of which is placed at
30 mm from the intrados.
Calculation is made for one 0.5 strand only; then the value is doubled to
obtain total sp.
3.5. Prestressing
81
Chapter 3
We have:
h
= 300 mm
ci
= 30 mm
bi
= 42.5 mm
bi
C 30/37 = class of concrete on prestressing

release
h
k
e0
poj
= 1250 N/mm2 = experimental tensile

value in the strands at
the time of releasing
Ap
= 93 mm2 (one strand 0.5")
Po
= po Ap = 116,250 N
eo
= 150 - 30 = 120 mm
= W/A = 72.3 (from the geometry of the cross section)
= (eo - k) / h = 0.159
= 12.5 mm
lbp
= 70 = 875 mm (see EC2 Table 4.7.)
fctk0.05
= 2.03 N/mm2 (see Table 5.1 in Chapter 5, below)
ci
On applying the formula [SP] the result is:
sp
= 0.935 N/mm2
Considering that there are two strands:

2 sp = 1.87 N/mm2 < fctk0.05 =
2.03 N/mm2
so the value is acceptable.
82
3.5. Prestressing
Chapter 3
Example 3.2
If in the same web the two 0.5 strands are placed at 35 mm from the lower
edge, recalculation of sp gives:
sp = 0.815 N/mm2
2 sp = 1.63 N/mm2 < fctk0.05 =
2.03 N/mm2
which is even more favourable.
Example 3.3
Let us consider the web of an extruded slab of depth h = 400 mm, as in the
section shown below.
Reinforcement consists of two 0.6 strands the axis of which is placed at
35 mm from the lower edge.
Again calculations are performed for only one of the strands and the result is
doubled at the end.
We have.
h
= 400 mm
ci
= 35 mm
bi
= 53 mm
bi
h
k
C 30/37 = class of concrete on prestressing release
po
e0
ci
= 1250 N/mm2 = experimental tensile

value at the time of releasing
Ap
= 139 mm2 (one 0.6 strand)
Po
= po Ap = 17,375 N
eo
= 174 mm
= W/A = 108 mm
= (eo k)/h = 0.1625
= 15.2 mm
lbp
= 70 = 1064 mm. (see EC2 Table 4.7)
fctk0.05
= 2.03 N/mm2. (Table 5.1 at the Cap. 5 par. 5.4.1.)
3.5. Prestressing
83
Chapter 3
On applying the formula [SP] the result is:

sp
= 0.99 N/mm2
Considering that there are two strands:
2 sp
= 1.98 N/mm2 < fctk0.05 = 2.03 N/mm2
the value is at the limit of acceptability.
Example 3.4
If in the same web the two 0.6 strands are placed at 40 mm from the lower
edge, recalculation of sp gives:
sp
2 sp
= 0.89 N/mm2
= 1.79 N/mm2 < fctk0.05 = 2.03 N/mm2
the value is certainly acceptable.
Concluding observations
The analysis with finite elements gives the trend of tensile stress sp in
the longitudinal sense, which can be illustrated as in Fig. 3.15.
a)
MPa
1
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
12
15
18
21
24
27
30
33
36
- 0,2
Fig.3.15
84
Trend of spalling tensile stress in the longitudinal sense at halfheight of the web (FIP Recommendations Precast Prestressed
Hollow Core Floors 2.2.1)
3.5. Prestressing
Chapter 3
The maximum stress sp is in correspondence to abscissa zero (end of

the slab). After a few centimetres sp is annulled and afterwards one
notes the presence of an inversion of sign.
b)
By decreasing eccentricity eo of the tendon, the value of sp decreases

notably; thus the greater the distance of strands from the lower edge,
the more contained are spalling stresses sp. However, the floor's
loadbearing capacity is reduced because the amount of prestressing of
the lower edge is reduced.
c)
Every increase in thickness bi of the web reduces spalling stress in the

web itself. It is important to keep this principle in mind while
designing a section of hollow core slab.
d)
With the same total area of tendons in a web, stress sp is minimum

when strands of larger diameter are used. It is thus convenient for
reducing sp (and at the same time for saving labour) to use only one
0.6" strand instead of obtaining the same steel area with a 1/2" strand
plus a 3/8" strand.
In fact sp decreases with the increase in strand anchoring length lbp the
value of which is 1060 mm for strand 0.6" while it amounts to only
763 mm on considering the mean value of the transmission length of
the 3/8" and 1/2" strands.
e)
Should it be necessary to further reduce stress sp due to the presence

of more than one strand in each web, the only solution is to sheath a
strand to neutralize its adherence near the slab end, keeping in mind the
precautions in paragraph 3.5.3 below.
f)
By applying the previous numerical examples, every producer of

hollow core slabs can calculate beforehand the values of stress sp
generated by the different kinds of strands (see Fig. 3.16) for each
depth of slab produced.
3.5. Prestressing
85
Chapter 3
Distance ci of the strand center

from lower slab edge
mm
70
60
50
40
30
33
20
3/8"
1/2"
6/10"
1(3/8")+1(1/2")
2(1/2")
10
0.5
1.5
sp
N/mm2
fctk 0.05 = 2.03 N/mm2
Fig. 3.16
Values sp for each cross section of hollow core slab can be

supplied by each producer already in table form for the
different types of strand.
With more than one strand in each web, the relative sp are summed to
obtain the total spalling stress acting in each web.
The diagram in Fig. 3.16 was constructed on the basis of the following
hypothesis:
h
= 300 mm = Web of the slip-formed hollow core slab in example

3.1.
86
C 30/37
= Characteristic strength of concrete at prestressing.
fck
= 30 N/mm2
fctk0.05
= 2.03 N/mm2 (Table 5.1 in Chapter 5, par. 5.4.1.)
3.5. Prestressing
Chapter 3
lbp = 70
mean transmission length (EC2 table 4.7)

plait 3 3
lbp = 455 mm
strand 3/8"
lbp = 650 mm
strand 1/2"
lbp = 875 mm
strand 6/10"
lbp = 1060 mm
The curves shown in Fig. 3.16 highlight the decrease in the value of sp
with the increase in the distance of strands from the lower edge.
g) Care is needed to avoid overestimating the class of concrete of the
vertical webs on release of prestressing. Class C 30/37 may not always
be the real strength class of the webs. This may present a defect in
compacting and thus be of a lower class.
h) In the calculation of sp with the formula [SP] one must consider only
the action of the lower strands of the web and disregard the upper strand
in the same web for the reason illustrated in Fig. 3.14.
i)
The calculation of sp in hollow core slabs once in use must take into
account the time elapsed from the application of prestressing and then
the completion of concrete shrinkage and creep and the relaxation of
prestressing steel.
The final spalling stresses are reduced compared to the initial sp (i)
according to the relation:
sp () =
sp () =
sp (i)
sp (i)
p
p 0
in which
p 0
~ 1250 N/mm2
= steel stress immediately after the release =
~ 1100 N/mm2
= final steel stress =
3.5. Prestressing
87
Chapter 3
thus we have the spalling decrease
sp () =~ sp (i) / 1.1
When the floor is in use, it must also be taken into account that stresses
sp (), besides being reduced, act in concrete with a final characteristic
strength fctk0.05 () that is much greater than the initial strength fctk0.05 (i) at
the time of applying prestressing.
Indeed, (see Table 5.1 in Chapter 5, par 5.4.1):
in concrete final class
C 45/55
this is:
fctk0.05 () =
2.85 N/mm2
at time of release the

concrete class was
C 30/37
and:
fctk0.05 (i)
2.03 N/mm2
The ratio is at least:

fctk0.05 () / fctk0.05 (i) = 1.4
and the final spalling safety factor of the hollow core floor once in use is:
~ 1.1 1.4 > 1.5
sp =
Safety is always assured.
3.5.3. Reduction of prestressing by means of sheaths

In consideration of what has been stated about spalling tensile stress in the
two preceding paragraphs, to reduce it to within acceptable limits recourse is often had to the neutralization of some strands for a length of some
tens of centimetres in correspondence to the slab ends.
Normally the length of sheaths is not more than 50 70 cm and their extremity remains visible in the end section of each slab.
It is necessary to make sure that the sheathed strand in the slab end begins
to be 100% efficient only after about 70 from the end of the sheath,
which is to say starting from a cross section in which bending moments are
already abundantly present.
88
3.5. Prestressing
Chapter 3
It is necessary to perform specific calculations to make sure that wherever

the sheathed strand is not yet fully efficient, the prestressing induced by
unsheathed strands alone must be sufficient to oppose tractions generated
by the bending moments present in that length of the slab.
In current manufacturing practice there is another good reason for reducing excess prestressing by means of total neutralization of one or two
strands in a certain number of slabs.
This is due to the fact that the fixed length of prestressing and casting beds
often imposes the production of slabs which require little reinforcement in
completing a bed with more reinforcement.
Excessive prestressing of these slabs almost always accentuates camber
and this is visible only at the time of their being assembled. Antiaesthetic
defects in camber at the intrados between slabs with too much reinforcement and others properly reinforced will appear.
In such cases one obtains better results by sheathing, and thus totally neutralizing, the entire length of excess strands in the portion of the bed occuped by slabs requiring less reinforcement.
3.5.4.
Slippage of strands into slab ends
Anchoring of the strands to the concrete is to a great extent dependent on the

bonding capacity of the different concretes which vary from one
manufacturer to another, even though they possess the same characteristic
strength.
It has also been observed that even when the aggregate is kept unchanged,
cements of different origins influence the degree of bonding of strands.
In any case, the proper compacting of concrete around strands assures their
good anchorage. But this cannot prevent visible slippage of strands into slab
ends once the strands are cut.
This slippage must remain within acceptable limits as illustrated in Table 2.3
(paragraph 2.4.1, point 13).
3.5. Prestressing
89
Chapter 3
Immediately after sawing the slabs it is necessary to inspect visually the

slippage of the strands at both ends of all slabs.
The effective slippage of a strand can be measured as the mean value of
slippage of the two ends of that strand at opposite ends of the slab (FIP
QUALITY ASSURANCE document, par. 3.5.3.).
If slippage values found are above acceptable limits, that slab or batch of
slabs must be discarded, or at least declassed.
In such a case the loadbearing capacity of that slab must be reduced by
considering strands with excessive slippage as not being in the slab.
The European Standard EN 1168, at point 4.2.3.2, illustrates how to calculate
maximum allowable slippage lo of strands which is to be considered the
mean value of the three strands that have shrunk the most in the same slab
end.
lo = 0.4 lbpd pmo / Ep
[a]
where:
lbpd
= upper limit of transmission length (see EC2 ENV 1992-1-1,

Art. 4.2.3.5.6, Table 4.7 and point 4)
pmo
= stress in prestressing steel immediately after release
Ep
= modulus of elasticity of prestressing steel
The maximum allowable slippage of a single strand shall not exceed the
value of 1.3 lo.
Values given in Table 2.3 (par. 2.4.1 above) were calculated by applying the
formulation shown above, as specified in the following Example of
calculation 3.5.
The following ways of measuring strand slippage are expressed by Standard
EN 1168 at point 5.2:
90
3.5. Prestressing
Chapter 3
the mean value of slippage for a given slab shall be calculated on the
basis of measurements of the three most slipped strands;
each single value shall be measured with the accuracy of 0.5 mm and
then compared with 1.3 lo. The mean value shall be compared with the
acceptable lo.
Such meticulousness in prescriptions indicates the importance of the value of

wire slippage as concerns Controlled Quality of prestressed hollow core
slabs.
Example of calculation
Example 3.5
Article 5.2 of the European Standard EN 1168 prescribes calculation of mean
prestressing wire slippage according to the expression [a] given above.
For EC2 ENV 1992-1-1, Art. 4.2.3.5.6. points 3) and 4) we have:
and
lbp = b
lbpd
= 1.2 lbp
= nominal diameter of prestressing steel
It is assumed that at the time of applying prestressing, the real compressive

strength of the slabs concrete is fckj = 30 N/mm2.
Schedule 4.7 of Article 4.2.3.5.6. gives the corresponding value of the
coefficient
= 70
thus we have
= 84
lbpd
= 1.2 b
pmo
= prestressing steel stress immediately after release to be measured

experimentally. In calculating it is assumed to be 1250 N/mm2
3.5. Prestressing
91
Ep
Chapter 3
= modulus of elasticity of prestressing steel which for this

calculation is assumed to be 196000 N/mm2
Thus for the 3/8" strand whose nominal is 9.3 mm we have
lo
= 0.4 84
1,250
= 2.0 mm.
196,000
For the most common prestressing strands we repropose the values of lo

indicated in Table 2.3 par. 2.4.1 above.
3.6. Rules and devices for the support of hollow core slabs
Generally speaking, it is necessary to distinguish between temporary support
during assembly to be completed and consolidated by in situ casting, and
simple support which will be permanent even when the building is
completed.
A further distinction concerns the support surface, which may be more or less
irregular and may thus offer discontinuous support points.
On considering floors composed of precast elements, Italian Prefab
Regulations prescribe that permanent simple support after assembly shall be
at least 5 cm, while a temporary support during assembly and prior to the in
situ cast to make it permanent may be a minimum of 3 cm.
Eurocode EC2 ENV 1992, Part 1.3, Art. 4.5.5.2 and also pr EN 1992-1,
Section 10 which deals specifically with prefabricated floors, are much more
detailed.
92
Chapter 3
In the case of permanent simple support, it prescribes different lengths

depending on the nature of the support surface, the effective bearing width,
support pressure and also takes into account building tolerances and length
of the precast element.
For the FIP Guide Quality Assurance, par. 6.1.2., in the case of final simple
support, the hollow core slab may be placed directly on the support surface
only when this is represented by a steel beam or another perfectly clean and
smooth equivalent surface.
If the slab is to be supported with simple final support on a concrete surface
that is not perfectly smooth and coplanar, it is indispensable to interpose a 60
Shore neoprene tape with a minimum width of 30 mm for the Italian
Standard and 40 mm for ENV 1992, Part 1-3, and having a minimum
thickness of 5 mm.
If the support surface is not regular, lodging with mortar is indispensable.
No special rules are laid down for the support of hollow core slabs, even with
direct support on not perfectly regular surfaces, when the project calls for in
situ reinforced casts that englobe the ends of the slabs.
In such a case, in fact, all loads applied later on with the positioning of the
slab do not increase pressure on the irregularities because it is lying on the
casts, which make it one with the support.
It is good practice to keep in mind during the in situ positioning of the hollow
core slabs that if there are support lengths of less than:
3 cm
for slabs up to 5 m in length
4 cm
5 cm
it is necessary to temporarily prop the slabs at the extremities until the

completing casts have hardened sufficiently.
93
Chapter 3
3.6.1. Minimum design support length

The minimum nominal length for simple final support of floors is prescribed
in Part 1.3, "Prefabricated Concrete Elements and Structures", of EC2 ENV
1992, Art. 4.5.5.2.
Similar prescription is also reported in pr EN 1992-1, Section 10.
t1
a3
t3
a1
t2
a2
Fig. 3.17
Nominal length "a" of support
= a1 + (a22+a32+t22+t32)1/2
where
V max
a1
bn Rd
width of rubber or neoprene tape;

it must never be a1 < 40 mm.
Vmax = calculated value of support reaction

bn
94
= bearing width of support; it must never be more than 600 mm.
Chapter 3
Rd = calculated value of concrete compressive strenght

Rd 0.6 fcd for dry bearing support (concrete on concrete);
Rd 0.7 fcd for support on rubber or neoprene tape;
Rd 0.8 fcd for lodging on mortar or for concrete on steel;
fcd =
design value of concrete compressive strength. See next Chapter 5,

schedule 5.1, (it is the lesser of the strengths of the slab or the
bearing structure);
a2
length of possible yield of the corner in the bearing structure with

support pressure sd > 0.4 fcd
a2 = 0
in the case of steel structures;
a2 = 25 mm in the case of masonry or unreinforced concrete;

a2 = nominal cover of reinforcement bar if this is
12 mm;
a2 = nominal cover of the bar (if the bar is > 12 mm) + bar
diameter + inner radius of bend;
a3
length of possible yield of the end of the slab with bearing

pressure sd > 0.4 fcd
a3 = 0 in the case of straight strands or bars exposed at the ends of
the slab;
a3 = greater value between cover of reinforcement at the ends or
10 mm (in the case of end reinforcement 12 mm);
a3 = 15 mm (in the case of end reinforcement > 12 mm);
t2
15 mm for steel or precast concrete supports;
t2
20 mm for masonry or in situ cast concrete supports;
t3
ln / 2500 where ln is the clear span between supports;
t1
maximum manufacturing deviation of the length of slab +

maximum construction tolerance.
95
Chapter 3
Example of calculation
Example 3.6
The lower floor-bearing support edge of a prestressed concrete "T" beam is
150 mm wide.
The beam's concrete strength class is C 35/45. The stirruping of the floorbearing edge is composed of 10 mm bar with a nominal cover of 15 mm.
This must support, by means of 60 Shore rubber tape, a floor made up of
hollow core slabs 1200 mm wide whose concrete strength class is C 45/55.
The clear distance between faces of the supports is ln = 11.10 m and the
calculation span (distance between centres of supports) is lc = 11.30 m.
Each slab end discharges onto the support the load
V max
= 130 kN
and
V min
90 kN
The question is:

Is the residual nominal space t1 between the end of the slab and the web of
the beam sufficient to remain within normal assembling tolerances?
Calculation of the minimum support length:

= a1 + (a22 + a32 + t22 + t32)1/2
amin
where
Vmax
a1
Vmax
96
bn Rd
=
130 kN
Chapter 3
t1
Vmax
= 130 kN
Vmin
= 90 kN
= 11.10 m
= 11.30 m
Fig. 3.18
Nominal length "a" of support of a hollow core floor on a

precast inverted T beam
bn
600 mm
Rd
0.7 fcd = 16.31 N/mm2
fcd
is calculated for the concrete of the beam. For Table 5.1 in

Chapter 5 it is fcd =23.3 N/mm2
130,000
a1
= 13.28 mm.
600 16.31
Since the calculated value is less than the width of the rubber tape, this value
is assumed for a1 (which by definition must always be 40 mm)
a1
= 40 mm;
a2
= 15 mm external nominal cover of 10 mm bar;
a3
0 mm since the hollow core slab is reinforced with strands

emerging at the ends;
97
Chapter 3
t2
= 15 mm since the supporting structure is of precast concrete;
t3
= ln/2,500 = 4.44 mm (where ln = 11,100 mm);
the minimum nominal length of the support is

amin
40 + (152+152+4.442)1/2
61.6 mm
It follows that it is quite possible to consider in the design the support length
a = 100 mm still having the available space t1 = 50 mm to absorb the sum of
tolerances for in situ building assembly and length of the slab.
3.6.2. Additional reinforcement in the transmission zone for flexural

and shear capacity
Article 3.2.9 of the Italian Standard considers not prestressed the final
lengths of prestressed structures with bonded tendons for a length equal to 70
times the largest nominal diameter of the prestressing tendon.
This anchorage zone must therefore be verified with respect to shear with the
rules for normal reinforced concrete.
Article 7.0.a of the Italian Standard requires at the ends of prestressed floors
with bonded wires the placing of sufficiently diffuse normal reinforcement at
the bottom side to assure absorption of tensile stress equal to shear value to
safeguard tractions in the concrete induced by the bending moment present
near the support.
This requirement, when applied to hollow core floors, can be expressed as
follows:
In correspondence to supports, however they may be made, suitably
anchored and conveniently distributed reinforcing bars, such as to assure the
absorption of tensile stress equal to shear value, shall be placed in the
structure at the lowest level possible.
98
Chapter 3
Fig. 3.19
The reinforcement at the supports of the hollow core floor as

for Art. 7.0.a of Italian Standard
The length of reinforcing bars on the floor side shall be calculated on the
basis of good bond conditions of the cast in situ concrete (Article 3.1.4 and
5.3.3 of Italian Standard).
As concerns the anchorage of concrete filling the open cores in the precast
slab, reference is made to the preceding paragraph 3.4.1.
3.6.3. Prestressing in the transmission zone for flexural and shear

capacity
Article 4.2.3.5.6 of EC2 ENV 1992-1-1 takes into account the linear
increase in the resistant force supplied by prestressing tendons in the
anchorage zone to oppose tractions in the concrete generated by shear and
bending moments.
This resisting force may be null for a few millimetres starting from the end
of the slab up to the beginning of the real bonding of prestressing tendons; it
then increases linearly up to full prestressing.
99
x0
pmax
lbp = b
lbp
x0
lp,eff.
Fig. 3.20
Chapter 3
The transfer of prestressing in hollow core slabs
Transmission length lbpd depends on the kind and diameter of tendon and on
the real effective strength of the concrete in the element at the time of
prestressing.
The neutral length xo indicated in Fig. 3.20 can be evaluated from time to
time and depends on any sudden release of prestressing steel, on slippage of
strands at the limit of acceptability and on the maximum diameter of the
aggregate used.
It can also be deliberately caused by the neutralization of bonding of the ends
of strands with sheaths.
In practice, if a structure is designed for construction outside Italian
jurisdiction (for which it is possible not to comply with Art. 7.0.a of the
Italian Standard) and the inclusion of terminal reinforcement in the slab ends,
as seen in paragraph 3.6.2, is not desired, it is necessary to make sure that in
the meaningful cross sections of the slab near supports the conditions
expressed in the following points are verified:
a)
shear-flexural capacity as expressed in the point 4.3.2.3 of ENV 19921-1 or 6.2.2 of the updated pr EN 1992-1
b) shear-traction capacity as expressed in point 4.3.2.3. of ENV 1992-1-3

(Part 1.3) or 6.2.2 of pr EN 1992-1
100
Chapter 3
c)
resistance against loss of the anchorage as indicated in Article 4.2.3.5.6.

of ENV 1992-1-3 (Part 1.3)
For details on these verifications see next ASSAP publication specific for
calculation.
3.7. Increase in shear capacity with concrete filled cores

Additional concrete casting in situ to complete hollow core floors generally
consists of filling the longitudinal joins and the open cores at slab ends in
which the connecting bars are embedded or in the laying of a corroborating
concrete topping where considered necessary.
These castings are made of concrete which increases the cross section of the
hollow core slab and therefore considerably increases the shear capacity of
the end sections of the floor once in use.
In situ concrete is normally classified as C20/25 C30/35, whereas the
prefabricated slab has a minimum classification of C45/55. This must be
taken into consideration when homogenizing the slab end section in order to
calculate shear capacity. For the theory and calculation procedures see next
ASSAP publication.
3.7. Increase in shear capacity with concrete filled cores
101
CONNECTIONS AND STRUCTURAL SCHEMES
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
4.1. Connections and ties

Hollow core floors can be used together with any kind of bearing structure,
whether it is made of cast in situ reinforced concrete, precast beams and
pillars or steel structures.
As we shall see in this chapter they can easily be designed, case by case, so as
to assure specific metal links to structures surrounding them, even to the
point of realizing true structural restraints and even structural ties.
With these premises, there is no obstacle to the forming of fixed ends in
hollow core floors or to their use in seismic zones.
The word connection is generally employed when referring to
reinforcement made of steel bars, which may be different in shape, that create
any sort of union between two or more adjoining structural elements.
Ties on the other hand are enchaining reinforcements, made effectively
continuous, passing through walls and/or slabs to safeguard integrity of the
entire building structure.
Connecting reinforcement between precast slabs and bearing beams is to be
considered essential for the structural integrity of the floor.
Just as essential for the structural integrity of the entire building are the
continuous tying reinforcements embedded in the edge beams.
102
4.1.
Chapter 4
L2
Ai
Ai
Ac
L1
Ac
Ac
Ac
Ai
Fig. 4.1
Ai
Connections and ties in a floor with hollow core slabs.

According to Italian Prefab Regulations, the minimum values
of Ai and Ac are (Art. 2.11.2. b/e):
- minimum total area of the perimeter ties of the floor:
in a non-seismic zone
Ai 300 mm2
in a seismic zone
Ai 400 mm2
- minimum connecting bar area for longitudinal and lateral
connections:
it must absorb at least 1% of axial stresses and in any case
must be
Ac 33.3 mm2/m
According to EC2 ENV 1992-1-3 Part 1-3 (Art. 5.5.2.a) and
also pr EN 1992-1 (Section 9.10):
- perimetric ties shall be capable
of supporting traction
Fi = L x 10 kN/m 70 kN
where L is the total length of span (L1 o L2)
- perimetric ties can be arranged within a band of 1.2 m from
the edge. This means that they can also be inserted in the
longitudinal union between the next-to-last and last hollow
core slab at the floor edge.
4.1.
103
Chapter 4
4.1.1. Connections in hollow core floors

Because of the typical manufacturing process, hollow core slabs never leave
the factory with reinforcing bars protruding from the concrete. But they do
offer many natural, easy-to-reach housings in which to place many different
kinds of reinforcing bars with end hooks for all kinds of connections.
The most obvious of these housings is the longitudinal union between slab
and slab in which the connecting bars can be anchored and, if the minimum
dimension of the section allows (see par. 3.3 above), so can the longitudinal
tie bars.
These longitudinal unions between slabs are almost always too few and too
far one from the other to meet the design requirement of having connections
distributed in a sufficiently continuous way.
For this reason other grooves, the "open cores" mentioned in paragraph 2.3.1,
are made in the ends of the hollow core slabs in the factory. It is possible to
have one, two or even three open cores in every slab end with a width of 120
cm, so as to offer housings that are more numerous and closer together for the
connections required by the design.
When the floor is delimited laterally by tie beams or edge beams, as shown in
Fig. 4.1, transverse connections for slabs without topping are made by
placing hooking bars inside special laterally opened cuts in the body of the
slab (see Fig. 4.2).
The lateral cuts have a distance between centres of about 1 or 2 metres and
are small in size.
Where a concrete topping is required, this offers a natural housing for a
resistance-welded mesh which is suitable for creating the transverse
connections at the edges (see Fig. 4.3).
According to EC 2 ENV 1992-1-3 (Art. 5.5.2.a) and also pr EN 1992-1
(Section 9.10) perimetric ties can also be inserted in the longitudinal union
between the next-to-last and last hollow core slab as long as they are within
1.2 m from the free edge of the floor.
104
4.1.
Chapter 4
Fig. 4.2
Lateral cuts in a slab without topping for hooking bar housing
Fig. 4.3
Lateral connection with a resistance-welded mesh inside the

concrete topping.
4.1.
105
Chapter 4
Another housing for longitudinal tie bars may be the outermost open core of
the floor as shown in Fig. 4.4 and 4.5.
Transversal tying reinforcement Ai will be bent and anchored in the same
core.
Ai
Fig. 4.4
Edge tie bars incorporated in the hollow core slab or in the

final longitudinal join in presence and absence of concrete
topping.
Concrete plates to be
removed in situ to
insert tie bars
Fig. 4.5
106
Slab prepared to house perimetric tie bars.

The transverse bars anchored in the hollow core slab that
restrain the floor to the perimetric tie in seismic zones shall be
at least two for a floor span of l > 6.0 m and at least one for
spans of 4.0 < l < 6.0 m and shall have area of at least 33.3
mm2/m (Italian Prefab Regulations 2.11.2. e).
4.1.
Chapter 4
In slabs prepared to incorporate the edge connecting bars, the aperture of the
core is made in the factory on lengths of not more than 2 m, leaving the plates
of the cover to be removed in situ (see Fig. 4.5).
4.1.2. Anchoring capacity of connecting bars in the hollow core slab

The efficiency of each connecting reinforcement between the end of the
hollow core slab and any other structure around it lies in the perfect anchoring
of the bars into the core and/or longitudinal union.
To be sure of the effectiveness of the connection it is therefore necessary to
take into account that:
-
the in situ casting that fills the open core or longitudinal union shall be
properly anchored to the prefabricated slab;
the connecting bars shall be solidly anchored in the in situ casting that
fills the core and the longitudinal union.
To be sure to guarantee such functions it is necessary to observe the following

points:
a)
the class of the cast concrete must be at least C 20/25 (but C25/30 is
preferred, see paragraphs 3.3 and 3.4 above); the casting should be
properly compacted and vibrated;
b) shear stress
sd between the concrete of the slab (extruded or
slipformed) and the concrete cast in situ, under the maximum traction of
the reinforcing bars anchored in the same core, for the European
Standard ENV 1992-1-3 (Art. 4.5.3.3) as for the updated pr EN 1992-1
(Section 6.2.5), for concrete class C 25/30 shall be at the Ultimate Limit
State:
4.1.
in the open cores
in the longitudinal unions between slabs
sd 0.39 N/mm2
sd 0.10 N/mm2
107
Chapter 4
while for the Italian Standard (par. 7.1.6.2.) it can be
sd 0.30 N/mm2
in the cores and the unions at the Serviceability Limit State;

c)
the surface of the prefabricated element shall be carefully cleaned and

the cast in situ concrete shall be made with cement that is not fasthardening and is limited in shrinkage;
d) the lower part of the open core, where removed concrete is laying,
normally shall not be considered effective contact surface.
As concerns anchorage of the bars, it is necessary to verify that:
e)
the anchorage length of the connecting bars (preferably with ribbed

surface) shall comply with the values established by ENV 1992-1-1
(Art. 5.2.3.4) and pr EN 1992-1 (Section 8.0);
f)
the entire length of the bars shall be properly embedded in the

compacted concrete;
g) the final part of the open core shall be closed with a plug so that casting
is held in place during vibration (this recommendation is especially
valid for hollow core slabs with depth h 250 mm).
4.2. The execution of structural restraints

Starting from the 1970s, the hollow core floor developed to the benefit of
"prefabrication", which prevalently involved dry-assembled structures and
were thus simply laid on supports.
Thus, up to a short time ago an overwhelming majority of the hollow core
floors produced in the world were applied with simple support for reasons of
economy and speed in construction.
108
4.2
Chapter 4
From the 1970s on, "prefabrication" of buildings has been gradually

transformed into "industrialization of building by components" and greater
attention has been focused on connections and integrative in situ casting to
restore the traditional monolithic characteristic of buildings. Hollow core
slab floors are now in demand to assure better structural performance.
Below is an analysis of the peculiar characteristics of restraints applied to
hollow core floors and the specific ways in which they are to be
manufactured, apart from dimensioning and calculation of the forces
involved, which will be dealt with in the next ASSAP publication.
4.2.1. Simple support

Each span of floor with simple support must be free to deflect under the
action of both permanent and occasional loads.
It is also indispensable to assure the necessary links to the bearing structures.
According to the Italian Standard (Articles 5.3.1. and 7.0.a) and, in special
cases, also for the European Standard (ENV 1992-1-1, par. 4.2.3.5.6),
specific reinforcing bars positioned as close to the bottom as possible and
well anchored, capable of supporting the positive moment of the span which
develops in the transimission zone, are required.
Fig. 4.6
4.2
A simply supported hollow core floor
109
Chapter 4
To that end, in cases of simple support, the reinforcement shall be capable of

absorbing at the ULS a tensile stress equal to total shear at the support.
A distance between centres for such shear-resistant bars no greater than 60
cm is recommended, with an exception for slabs used as coverage for which
a distance between centres of 120 cm is normally used because of the low
level of shear stresses.
For the Eurocode in the anchorage zone of strands at slab ends there is
prestressing that varies linearly from zero to 100%. Thus it allows the
positive moment in the anchorage zone to be supported also by the amount
of prestressing developed in that section.
More precisely, ENV 1992-1-1 (point 4.2.3.5.6.9) and pr EN 1992-1 (Section
8.10), prescribe that if the envelope of traction forces acting in the anchorage
zone (a combination of tractions due to shear and those due to the bending
moment) is greater than fctk0.05 , it is necessary to make sure that such
envelope is not greater than the traction capacity supplied both by
prestressing reinforcement and by reinforcement bars that may have been
included in the anchorage zone.
In the case of simply supported floors special attention must be given to
avoiding the development of unintended negative moments caused by
carelessness in building which may lead to floor cracking (see Standard EN
1168 Informative Annex E.
Eurocode ENV 1992-1-1 (point 5.4.2.1.2.1) and pr EN 1992-1 (Section 9.0),
prescribe that in buildings with diffuse in situ casting, even when simple
support has been assumed in the design, it is in any case necessary to insert
additional reinforcement capable of absorbing a negative moment deriving
from a partial fixed end restraint equal to at least 25% of the maximum
bending moment of the span.
110
4.2
Chapter 4
Reinforced concrete topping
a)
b)
Fig. 4.7
False simple supports with the development of unexpected

negative moments:
a) the concrete topping reinforced with resistance welded
steel mesh creates continuity and opposes the free
deflection of the floors;
b) the weight of the wall above blocks the free rotation of floor
ends.
Reinforced concrete topping
a)
b)
Fig. 4.8
4.2
Correct building steps that give the floor the freedom of simple
support:
a) interruption of the reinforcement of the concrete topping
above a middle support;
b) interposition of strips of rubber allows free rotation of
floor ends.
111
Chapter 4
4.2.2. Continuity in a multispan floor

In Italy today, this kind of structural restraint is used in most applications of
hollow core floors with cast in situ beams and is also applied with precast
beams when they have to be completed by in situ casting.
a)
b)
Fig. 4.9
112
Floor in continuity on several supports:

a) with total block of the connection (fixed end restraint);
b) with possible rotation of connections (partially fixed end).
4.2
Chapter 4
In fact, in cases of this kind, retaining walls, staircases and pillars are always
cast in situ. In garages the design often calls for the finishing of floors with
smooth concrete and it represents no problem for the builder to add steel
reinforcement to make the hollow core floors continuous.
Continuity becomes "indispensable" when the hollow core floor is inserted
as a clear span in a structure that is entirely cast in situ, whether it is with
pillars and beams or loadbearing walls.
In these cases hollow core slab floors are connected as a clear span to the
loadbearing structure without direct support. Thus the simple support
restraint is structurally inadmissible (see Fig. 4.9.b).
The continuity restraint is "indispensable" also when floor finishing does not
allow visible cracks in the vicinity of the support and when deflection under
long-lasting and occasional loads must be kept to a minimum.
Continuity is "recommended" when the compressed flange of the beam must
structurally involve the portion of the hollow core slab floor adjacent to it.
This portion of the floor acts as an integral part of the beam itself.
This allows the obtaining of a thinner bearing beam (see Fig. 4.16).
Finally, the continuity restraint is an "undesirable consequence" that the
designer must keep in mind in the case of special building conditions of the
kind illustrated in Fig. 4.7: concrete topping reinforced with resistance
welded steel mesh or loadbearing walls that grip the ends of the hollow core
floor and impede its free rotation.
A simply supported hollow core slab is in a stress state near the support that
must receive special attention. This is due to the contemporary presence of
spalling stresses and stresses dependent on the diffusion of prestressing
(splitting), as well as shear stresses.
4.2
113
Chapter 4
Opposed to spalling and splitting there is the positive action exerted by the
final compressed strut inside each web.
In the case of slabs for which the continuity restraint is made in situ, the
internal stress situation is substantially improved in all senses by the presence
of compression stresses at the lower flange. They are very important in many
cases (see Fig. 4.10).
compression strut
concrete arch
crack
tie
concrete arch
crack
tie
support
Fig. 4.10
The arch-tie mechanisms created in correspondence to

supports of hollow core floor made continuous (Prof. Franco
Levi - Politecnico of Turin 1983).
In effect, the possibility of the formation of cracks in the zone subject to

negative moment in elements made continuous absolutely can in no case
impede the setting in of two arch mechanisms in concrete with steel ties
whose concavities face in opposite directions (upwards on the support and
downwards in the span).
The contemporary presence of compression struts in the two systems stops
the cracks induced by the two flexural moments of opposite sign from
joining one another. This can be seen quite clearly in Fig. 4.10.
Before designing hollow core floors without negative moments at supports it
is well to keep in mind the technical and economic aspects listed in Table 4.1
and evaluate convenience of the continuity restraint in relation to the more
simplified design method based on the simply supported floor slabs.
114
4.2
Chapter 4
Table 4.1
Design
requirements
Advantages
of continuity
Disadvantages
of continuity
1. Resistance to
deflection
(and shear) at the
S.L.S. and U.L.S.
- with the same hollow core slab

depth and prestressing
reinforcement it is possible to
obtain resisting moments up to
30% higher.
Shear strength depends on the
number of cores filled at slab
ends.
- higher cost of additional

reinforcing bars (up to 3 kg/m2)
and concrete cast in situ (up to 20
litres/m2 for connections
embedded in slab ends;
- it is necessary to use prestressing
reinforcement even at the top side
of the slabs and some cores must
be open at the top of slab ends;
- it is necessary to place plugs in
cores at a set distance from slab
ends;
- it is necessary to check the
maximum prestressing of slabs
on the bottom side to avoid
excessive compression forces due
to the negative moment.
2. Fire resistance
- with the same slab depth and

prestressing reinforcement,
strength may increase by 30%
- see point 1
3. Seismic design
- the amount of design horizontal

forces is decreased consequent
to a higher value of the q
factor of behaviour of the
structure owing to higher
ductility and energy dissipation
- see point 1
4. Minimum elastic
and long-term
deformation under
permanent and
occasional loads
- with the same slab depth

deformations decrease at least
2 folds and up to 5 folds
- see point 1
5. Elimination of
cracks visible in
correspondence to
supports of floors
with more than one
span
- the requirement is met in all

cases through careful planning
of the number, diameter and
distance between centres of the
reinforcing bars for negative
moments
- see point 1
6. Reduction of depth
of the loadbearing
beam
- this is obtained by widening

the compressed flange of the
beam to the floor
- see point 1
7. Hollow core slabs

supported by
beams cast in situ
with same depth as
slabs
- this application is possible
- see point 1;
- the cross section of the hollow
core slab having a width of 1.20
metres must be such that the
overall thickness of webs is about
40 cm so as to minimize
suspension stresses;
- prestressing of the bottom side
must not be excessive in order to
keep spalling stresses in all webs
under control.
4.2
115
Chapter 4
Floors made with hollow core slabs can be considered continuous for loads
acting after their assembly if the following conditions are met:
a)
continuity reinforcement bars are placed at distances between centres of

no more than 60 cm;
b) rules on adherence between precast concrete and in situ casts are

complied with (see paragraph 3.4.1 above) as well as between in situ
casts and the embedded continuity bars. Maximum stress in the bar
equal to the value it is subjected to in the end section of the floor must be
considered (Italian Standard par. 5.3.3. and 7.3.3.; EC2 ENV 1992 -1-1
par. 5.4.2.1.3; pr EN 1992-1 Section 9);
c)
continuity reinforcement bars are anchored at the ends to the lower edge
of the slab by means of a hook or bend;
d) the depth of the slab is no less than 12 - 15 cm.
The imposed conditions tend to satisfy the following requirements:

a)
the continuity reinforcement must be sufficiently diffuse and well

anchored;
b) the bond between the precast element and the integrative concrete must
be assured as indicated under points a), b) and c), of paragraph 4.1.2.
above and the bond between the steel and the corroborating concrete
complies with points d), e) and f) in the same paragraph;
c)
the terminal anchorage at the lower flange must eliminate possible

detachment of the concrete of the stressed upper flange of the floor (see
Fig. 4.11);
116
4.2
Chapter 4
Fig. 4.11
Lacking terminal anchorage at the lower edge, the stressed

steel may cause the problem seen here.
d) it is difficult for a hollow core slab floor with a depth of less than 12 - 15
cm to be reinforced to the point of assuring valid structural continuity.
In the case of a floor made continuous, reinforcing bars placed at the bottom
edge in correspondence to supports must absorb the tensile stress equal to
shear calculated only for its own weight and that of the casts made during
completion.
In fact, permanent loads and occasional loads applied subsequently generate
negative moments on supports and thus compression, and not traction, at the
bottom edge of the floor in the support zone.
Apart from the rheological effects of viscosity and shrinkage, as well as the
redistribution of moments, the positive moment of span of the floor is
obtained by adding:
in the 1st phase:
the moment due to the weight of the hollow core floor

itself completed with in situ casting, calculated for
simple support;
in the 2nd phase:
the maximum positive moment due to permanent loads

plus occasional loads calculated for continuos spans in
the worst conditions of load.
4.2
117
Fig. 4.12
Chapter 4
Trend of the maximum negative and positive moments in a

continuous floor due only to permanent and occasional loads
in the 2nd phase:
- the negative moments to consider for supports are those in
the most unfavourable load conditions;
- the positive span moments are due to the worst load
conditions and are to be added to the positive moments of
the 1st phase (weight of the floor itself with simple support);
- the rigidness of the several floor spans must be constant in
calculating the continuous beam;
- it is necessary to take into account the negative span
moments generated by special load conditions and, for
safety's sake, provide for enough normal or prestressed
reinforcement.
Consequently, the maximum negative moments are obtained from calculation

for continuos spans of the 2nd phase only, permanent plus occasional loads, in
the most unfavourable conditions.
As concerns the rheological effects of viscosity and shrinkage, see the
discussion in the next ASSAP publication.
As indicated in Fig. 4.12 and 4.13, the vertex of the cusp of negative moments
is damped in correspondence to the width of the connection, keeping in mind
that the same beam already absorbs a part of negative moment in
correspondence to the cusp on the support (rounding to a parabola).
118
4.2
Chapter 4
4.2.3. Redistribution of the moments due to connection ductility

After calculating the maximum negative moments at supports as described in
the previous paragraph, and after rounding the cusps to a parabola as
indicated in Fig. 4.12 and 4.13, it is opportune to take into account a further
decrease in maximum negative moments at the expense of the maximum
positive moments of the span by applying the so-called redistribution of the
moments.
The greater ductility of the connection cast in situ, which is clearly lower in
strength class than the concrete of the prefabricated element, causes
redistribution of a certain amount of the negative moment with an increase in
the positive moment of the span (see Fig. 4.13).
Moment redistribution must be performed taking into account the sum of the
different ductility factors in the connection:
Mi
M'i
fck
f'ck
fck
+M1
Fig. 4.13
4.2
+M
Negative moment Mi decreases to M'i due to greater

deformability, both elastic and viscous, of concrete with
strength fck.
Consequently the positive moments of the span increase by the
same amount.
119
Chapter 4
in a purely elastic regime the concrete in the connection has a modulus

of elasticity E'cm which is less than the modulus of elasticity Ecm of the
prefabricated concrete. Redistribution depends on ratio E'cm/Ecm (see
next ASSAP publication).
in a viscous regime it is necessary to take into consideration the viscous

deformation component caused by external actions (loads) and the
prestressing component; the effects may even be of opposite sign (see
next ASSAP publication); for this reason this component can be
considered null in a first approximation.
To conclude, if we indicate with the relation between effective negative

moment M'i after redistribution and theoretical negative moment Mi prior to
redistribution, which is to say
M'i
Mi
the value , equal to the root of the ratio between the characteristic strengths
of the two concretes, is not very far from the truth
f'ck / f ck
so long as one satisfies the condition imposed by the Italian Standard

(Art. 4.1.1.3), the European Standard (ENV 1992-1-1, Art. 2.5.3.4.2.) and
also pr EN 1992-1 (Section 5.5), in which, given:
x
d
= depth of the neutral axis at the ULS after redistribution

= effective height of the section
the result must be:
120
0.44 + 1.25 x/d

0.56 + 1.25 x/d
(for concrete fck C35/45)

(for concrete fck > C35/45)
4.2
Chapter 4
In any case, with highly ductile steel of the FeB 44k type must be between
0.7 and 1.0.
0,7
1,0.
Once the real amount of negative moments on supports has been ascertained,
it is necessary to plan a sufficient number of traction-resisting bars anchored
for the regular length of bonding, starting from the point at which they are no
longer stressed (see ENV 1992-1-1, points 5.2.2.3; 5.2.3.4; 5.4.2.1.3 and also
pr EN 1992-1 Section 9.0).
It will also be necessary to make sure that compression stresses induced on the
lower flange of the hollow core floor by the negative moment, added to
prestressing stresses in that section, are not above the maximum value
admissible for the concrete class of the prestressed element.
It must always be kept in mind what was stated at the beginning of this
paragraph, that is, that redistribution of moments must increase the positive
moment of the span to the same extent that the negative moments on supports
decrease.
4.2.4. Restraint for cantilevers

Hollow core floors with cantilevers can be made in different ways as shown in
Fig. 4.14.
The way shown in Fig. 4.14 a) is usually applied in presence of cantilevers
of less that 1.20 - 1.50 m with light loads.
The prestressing steel in the upper part is normally put there by manufacturers
who handle hollow core slabs with fork lifts, which inevitably cause
overhangs with dynamic stresses.
Eaves and other small overhangs are made with this kind of reinforcement, but
not in the case of heavy loads.
4.2
121
Chapter 4
In fact, the anchorage of prestressing steel in concrete in the upper part of the
hollow core slab, which is somewhat less compact than the corresponding
intrados zone, must be checked in all cases.
Moreover, this prestressing reinforcement of the cantilever is not very
expedient since it detracts from loadbearing capacity of the hollow core slab
in the span between the two supports.
a)
Prestressed tendons for prestressing of the upper part.
b)
Reinforcing bars inserted into the slab when concrete is still wet or in situ in
the cores opened for the purpose.
c)
Reinforcing bars inserted in situ with temporary shoring of the overhanging
slab.
Fig. 4.14
122
Three different ways of producing a hollow core floor with

cantilever.
In the case of overhanging floors with corroborant concrete
topping, reinforcement of the cantilever is normally inserted in
the topping cast in situ and solution b) is normally preferred.
4.2
Chapter 4
The way shown in Fig. 4.14 b) is the one most commonly used with
medium cantilevers and loads since it offers assurance of excellent static
performance.
In any case, it is essential to verify compression stresses in the concrete on
the lower side of the floor in correspondence to the support of the cantilever
since the compression due to the negative moment is added to the
prestressing of the prestressed structure itself.
For this reason it is best also to verify the presence of any ugly elastic and
viscous downward deflections of the cantilever caused by excessive
compressional stresses on the bottom side.
The way shown in Fig. 4.14 c) is the best in the presence of long cantilevers
(even up to 5 m) and/or very heavy loads.
Also in this case it is necessary to verify compression stresses in the concrete
on the bottom side of the slab on two supports because of pre-existent
prestressing in the slab end zone.
This solution is excellent also from the aesthetic viewpoint because shoring
allows the raising of the extremity of the cantilever, thus preventing sagging
caused by elastic and viscous deformation of the fixed end of the cantilever.
4.3. The beam-floor connection.

4.3.1. Premise
Here we examine one by one the several kinds of connection between
bearing beams and hollow core floors.
4.3
123
Chapter 4
In all the examples of construction that follow, it is of fundamental

importance to keep in mind that the end of any hollow core slab filled to the
desired depth with concrete cast in situ, properly vibrated and having the
desired characteristic strength, works quite well as a structurally corroborant
flange of the bearing beam to which it is connected by appropriate
reinforcement.
Fig. 4.15
Slab end prepared for casting of a small flange corroborant

with the bearing beam.
The inertial moment of the bearing beam is greatly increased when the
flanges of the corroborant floor are taken into account. For simplicity's sake
they are calculated as a full rectangular section composed of concrete having
the same strength class as the concrete cast in situ.
To obtain that flange function from the hollow core slab end it must be
prepared for this in the planning stage as illustrated in Figs. 4.15 and 4.16.
It is also indispensable to provide upper and lower linking reinforcement
between hollow core slabs whose ends represent flanges of the bearing
beams so that there is no formation of cracks caused by negative moments
and excessive transversal shear stress near the extremities of the floor not
adequately connected to the beam by appropriate reinforcement.
If the width of the flange is limited to about 1.5 - 2.0 times the depth of the
slab, the cores not touched on by opening must be plugged up at the desired
depth as described in paragraph 2.3.7. and illustrated in Fig. 4.15.
124
4.3
Chapter 4
In this case the concrete cast in situ and well vibrated is capable of
penetrating into the cores to the depth of the plugs and compacting properly
up to the point of filling all the empty space available.
If the width of the flange is greater, up to the point of reaching the widest
extension allowed by the codes (Italian Standard or ENV 1992-1-1, Art.
2.5.2.2.1.) it is essential to prepare the slab end with all cores open at the top
to the necessary lenght (see Fig. 4.16), to allow the filling of the flange with
concrete cast and vibrated in situ.
Fig. 4.16
4.3
Slab end prepared for casting of a fairly large corroborant

flange
125
Chapter 4
4.3.2. Inverted T and L shaped precast beams

Beams of this type are usually self-bearing and there is no corroborant
flange. The hollow core floor must almost in all cases be considered as
having simple support owing to the presence of the vertical nucleus of the
beam which does not facilitate casting in situ of the beam-floor connection
(see Fig. 4.17).
Supports on rubber tape
Fig. 4.17
Hollow core floor with simple support on inverted T and L

beams.
It is thus a good idea to prepare the support of the hollow core floor on special
rubber tape (see paragraph 3.6.) since the restraint remains a simple support
even for permanent loads and occasional loads applied subsequently.
Reinforcement for negative moment
Fig. 4.18
126
Hollow core floor in continuity on an inverted T beam.
4.3
Chapter 4
The restraint of continuity between hollow core floors can be accomplished

only if all, or at least an adequate number, of cores at the slab ends are open
at the top to allow good casting in situ between the end of each slab and the
nucleus of the beam.
This cast concrete, if well compacted, supplies the indispensable horizontal
opposition to compression forces generated on the lower side by negative
moments of continuity (see Fig. 4.18).
4.3.3. Precast I beams

These beams are almost always prestressed and are always self-bearing, even
for the weight of the floor itself and the completing castings.
After the hollow core floor has been laid, reinforcing bars that assure the type
of restraint chosen for permanent and occasional loads applied subsequently
are positioned.
A corroborant flange, if present, made with in situ casting of the beam-floor
connection, can be taken into account only in the case of a floor made
continuous, or at least partially continuous. The corroborant flange comes
into play only for permanent and occasional loads.
Supports on
rubber tape
Fig. 4.19
4.3
Precast I beams with simply supported floor.
127
Narrow corroborant flange
Wide corroborant flange
Fig. 4.20
128
Chapter 4
Precast I beams with hollow core floor in continuity and

some corroborant flanges:
-
a narrow corroborant flange is obtained by inserting plugs

into the cores inside the slab end;
a wide corroborant flange is obtained by opening all cores

in the slab end.
4.3
Chapter 4
4.3.4. Semi-precast beams

These are composed of a precast bottom part which may also be prestressed.
They are provided with stirrups pointing upwards.
Sometimes these partially precast beams are self-bearing only for their own
weight.
In such cases they must be temporarily shored to support the weight of the
floor and the in situ castings which, on penetrating into the end of the hollow
core floor, form the corroborant flange of the beam, if required.
To assure structural corroboration of the flange with the beam, the floor must
be restrained to the beam with reinforcement both at top and bottom
approximately every 40 cm and the linking stirrups must be verified to make
sure they can withstand shear stresses. When the semi-precast beam is shored
prior to the laying of the slabs, all weights of the beam, the floor and the in situ
casts, besides permanent and occasional loads, are supported by the
completed beam with corroborant flange.
Fig. 4.21
4.3
Semi-precast beams of normal or prestressed concrete. The

beam-floor connection must always be a continuous, or at least
partially continuous, restraint.
129
Chapter 4
4.3.5. Steel H-beams

The combination of hollow core floors with steel beams is quite common in
North America and northern Europe. It is less frequent in Italy owing to the
limited use of steel bearing structures.
The hollow core floor is almost always placed on the upper flange of the
beam, on which the connecting rivets that assure structural corroboration
between steel beams and in situ castings are welded.
Fig. 4.22
Hollow core floors on steel beams.

Connecting rivets can be induction-welded to the upper flange
of the beam even after the laying of the slabs.
If the hollow core floor is made continuous, or at least partially continuous,

on the steel beam with rivets, it is advantageous to take into account the
corroboration of the concrete of the ends of the floors that constitute the
compressed upper flange of the resulting composite beam.
130
4.3
Chapter 4
Steel beams are always sized to support self-bearingly the weight of the floor
and in situ castings. Thus the composite beam must support only permanent
and occasional loads applied subsequently.
The hollow core slab floor is rarely placed on the bottom flange of the steel
beam because of the difficulties encountered in assembly.
In cases of this kind it is almost impossible to obtain a continuous restraint
between floors because of the difficulty in achieving a perfectly compacted
casting between the end of the floor and the vertical ribbing of the beam.
Fig. 4.23
The hollow core floor placed on the bottom flange of the steel
beam.
4.3.6. Steel reticular beams

Steel reticular beams are composed of a bottom plate provided with upper
trestlework.
The hollow core floor lies on the bottom plate and the in situ casting involves
the entire depth of the beam and also penetrates into the cores to the desired
depth.
The floor is always linked to the beam with diffuse reinforcement assuring
the restraint of continuity or at least partial continuity.
Prior to the laying of the hollow core slabs on the reticular beams, except in
special cases of self-bearing expressly called for in the design, it is essential
to shore the beam to support the weight of the floor during assembly and also
to avoid possible warping or even tilting under eccentric loads represented by
slabs not laid symmetrically.
4.3
131
Fig. 4.24
Chapter 4
The hollow core floor supported by a reticular steel beam.
The composite beam formed after the in situ castings is traction-reinforced

by the bottom plate and the compression resistant zone is represented by the
concrete flange in the hollow core slab floor widened to the extent necessary
to support all weights and loads present.
The reinforcing bars linking the hollow core floor to the composite beam
must be well diffused to act as the stirruping of the wide-flanged beam that
results.
4.4. Beams cast in situ

At least one third of hollow core floors produced in Italy are used together
with cast in situ bearing beams having normal reinforcement.
The hollow core slabs are almost always laid prior to casting of the beams
and are thus temporarily supported by the timber of the formwork for the
casting of the beams themselves.
The reinforcement of the beam is bound to the hollow core floor by means of
the continuity reinforcement of the floor.
132
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
The in situ castings form the actual body of the bearing beam and extend into
the hollow core slabs to complete the corroborant flange and seal the
longitudinal unions between slab and slab.
The resulting beam, configured with a widened upper flange, supports all
loads composed of the dead weight of the beam itself, the floor and
subsequent loads.
Essentially, the following three paragraphs describe two types of connection
between a hollow core floor and a beam cast in situ:
- hollow core floor with length of support on the beam cast in situ;
- clear span hollow core floor without length of support on the beam.
The latter case, which is encountered quite frequently, requires in-depth
knowledge of the beam-floor connection and of the series of verifications
analysed in point 4.4.4 below.
4.4.1. Floor with support on beam

In presence of heavy overloads on floors, or loads of the kind found on roads,
recourse is had to a beam with a cross section with a widened base allowing
the floor to find adequate support in the body of the beam.
The stirruping of the beam must be designed as shown in Fig. 4.25.
This kind of beam can also be cast in two stages in the presence of special
conditions such as large distances between floors when the cost of shoring is
very high.
In such cases (see Fig. 4.26) the bottom of the beam is cast first after
verifying its self-bearing capacity to support the dead weight of the floor.
Then the hollow core slabs are laid and the finishing casts capable of
supporting subsequent occasional overloads in the beam's final configuration
are made.
4.4
Beams cast in situ
133
Captulo 4
Casts extend into the hollow core slabs to form the corroborant flanges of the
beam which are properly linked to the stirrups of the beam with diffuse
reinforcement
134
Fig. 4.25
The floor-beam connection cast in situ with length of support

of the floor.
Fig. 4.26
Beam previously cast in situ to be self-supporting of the dead

weight of the floor itself and the finishing casting.
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
4.4.2. Clear span floor without support on beam

It is often the case that widening the base of the beam to support the hollow
core slabs is not statically justified.
As illustrated in Fig. 4.27, the beam can support the floor owing to the in situ
casting of concrete, which from the beam penetrates into the cores of the
floor, and to the continuity and linking reinforcement.
Although calculation and verification of this section will be discussed in
paragraph 4.4.4., we observe here that if the concrete nuclei cast in the cores
are not capable of supporting shear stresses from the floor, it is necessary to
insert a shear-resistant stirrup in each nucleus (see Fig. 4.28).
Fig. 4.27
4.4
The beam-floor connection with a clear span
Beams cast in situ
135
Fig. 4.28
Chapter 4
An example of stirruping of the in situ cast nuclei in the cores

and in the longitudinal union.
In cases of this kind the floor must always be designed with the continuity
restraint and it must therefore provide for double reinforcement distributed
every 30 - 40 cm in correspondence to the top and bottom sides of the floor in
cores open for the purpose.
In this particular beam-floor connection, each hollow core slab is suspended
from the beam by means of the upper portion of the single vertical web
between core and core.
Since these webs are not stirruped, the vertical traction stress that is created
in each web due to suspension tends to increase spalling stress, described in
paragraph 3.5.1., and in particular in paragraph 3.5.2.
It is thus indispensable to perform verification as described in paragraph
4.4.4., which may supply stress values sp that satisfy the requirements of
European Standard EN 1168, Eurocode 2 ENV 1992-1-1 and the Italian
Building Standard.
136
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
Fig. 4.29
Clear span floor suspended from a raised beam.
A variation of the connection discussed in this paragraph is represented by

the less frequent situation illustrated in Fig. 4.29.
Obviously the static functioning of the beam-floor connection is the same as
the one illustrated in Fig. 4.27.
4.4.3. Flat beam having depth equal to that of the hollow core floor
In building practice, this case is met with quite frequently, especially when
there are no excessive overloads (residential buildings, services and also
parking silos).
Also with this kind of beam the width of the compressed concrete flange to
be used in calculations includes the hollow core slab ends to the length
delimited by plugs previously inserted in the cores.
All cores must be filled with concrete in situ to a length at least equal to the
depth of the floor.
Very special mention must be made of hollow core floors supported by steel
reticular beams (see par. 4.3.6 above) or flat beams or beams of the kind
shown in Fig. 4.29.
In all these cases, every deflection of the beam is met by an identical
transverse deflection of the hollow core slab ends bound to it. If deflection
accentuates to the point of causing cracking in the beam concrete (cracking
4.4
Beams cast in situ
137
Chapter 4
admitted in the presence of normal reinforcement) there will also be cracking

in the hollow core slabs, as in any other kind of floor. Cracks start from the
slab ends and continue for a short distance.
It is to be noted that these longitudinal cracks, when they appear, always open
below the cores and never reach the zone below the webs in which the
prestressing strands are anchored.
However, these cracks, which detract from appearance, must be avoided and
it is therefore a good idea to design beams that are sufficiently rigid to avoid
cracking.
a)
The double linking reinforcement is placed every 30 to 40 cm with a suitable
bonding length, which must be at least equal to the length of transfer of
prestressing
b)
All cores must be filled with concrete in situ to a length at least equal to the
depth of the floor.
Fig. 4.30
138
a) Connection of the hollow core floor in continuity to a flat

beam.
b) Conformation of the in situ casting of the flat beam.
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
4.4.4. Design of the composite connection between cast in situ beam and
hollow core slab without direct support
Since no stirrups in the webs of prefabricated slabs are called for, linking in
continuity between hollow core slabs and beams cast in situ without support
for the floor must conform to the following prescriptions formulated in
conformity with the European Standard EN 1168, Art. 4.3.1.6, with Eurocode
2 and the Italian Building Standard. The prescriptions thus formulated are
confirmed both by experimental results obtained in research conducted
specifically at the Politecnico of Turin (Prof. F. Levi, Mr. R. Perazzone, Prof.
P.G. Debernardi from 1982 to 1985), and by static tests of structural
applications performed in Italy in the last two decades.
Prescriptions
a)
hollow core slabs must be at least 15 cm deep.
b) All cores must be plugged in such a way as to assure that they are filled
with compacted concrete up to a distance from the end of the slab at least
equal to the depth of the slab itself.
c)
Floors shall be made effectively continuous for moments induced by

occasional and permanent loads applied after execution of the structure.
d) The continuity reinforcing bars on the top and bottom sides shall be
placed with a distance between centres not above 30 - 40 cm on the
average and shall comply with bonding conditions between in situ casts
and slab concrete as discussed in paragraph 3.2 herein.
e)
Shear stresses flush with the beam in the connection section of the nuclei
in concrete cast in situ to fill the cores shall be less than those allowed for
concrete without shear reinforcement (according to the Allowable
Stresses method) or the value of the calculation of VSd at the ultimate
limit state shall be less than value VRd of the section (according to the
Limit State method). Otherwise, it is necessary to verify the shear-
4.4
Beams cast in situ
139
Chapter 4
resisting reinforcement inserted in the open cores at the end of the hollow
core slab (see Fig. 4.28).
f)
The shear stresses mentioned above are partially reduced by the bond
between the beam cast in situ and the end section of the slab, as long as
it is rough (not cut with a diamond disc).
g) The maximum vertical tensile stress spi (spalling) verified on removal

from the bed at slab ends, due to anchoring stresses of prestressing
reinforcement, shall be less than the tensile strength of the concrete
fctk 0,05 /sp calculated at the time of applying prestressing with sp = 1,2.
h) The principal tensile stress in the most stressed web, due to the
contemporary presence of spalling sp,d(t) (calculated at the time of being
put to service for utilization with the formula sp,d(t) = pspiPm(t)/Pm,o)
and stresses due to the suspension of the floor sd (calculated for the
dead weight of the floor and all overloads multiplied by the relative
coefficients
G and Q) shall be less than the final strength of the
concrete fctd .
Comments on prescriptions
a) The cores of a hollow core floor less than 15 cm deep are too small to be
filled with any certainty to the desired depth with concrete cast in situ.
b) The nuclei in the cores and open cores containing reinforcement must be
created by casting concrete coming from the beam. It must be well
vibrated and then held in place by tightly fitting plugs in the cores.
The length of the nuclei in the cores, which must be at least equal to the
depth of the hollow core slab, also assures a contact surface between the
in situ casting and webs of the prefabricated slab sufficient to hold by
bonding the dead weight of the floor and the relative loads.
c)
The monolithic character of the beam-floor connection is fundamental

for the functionality of the composite connection without direct support.
140
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
d) The continuity reinforcement bars must therefore be sufficiently diffuse.

A distance between centres of the bars not above 30 - 40 cm requires that
at least half of the cores shall contain reinforcement. In practice, the
cores filled by casting without reinforcement alternate with open cores
containing reinforcement. Reinforcing bars may be counted in
calculating the suspension of the floor.
Fig. 4.31
e)
Continuity reinforcing bars are provided with a distance

between centres which on the average is not more than
30 - 40 cm.
The attachment section of the concrete nuclei to the beam must be able
to support, even without stirruping, the shear stress generated by its part
of the load (see Fig. 4.32).
The design shear resistance has to satisfy the prescriptions contained in
the Codes also taking into account the reinforcing bars for continuity
restraint. (Italian Building Standard Art. 3.1.4.; Eurocode 2 ENV 19921-1, Art. 4.3.2.3 and also pr EN 1992-1 Section 6.2).
Failing this shear capacity it is necessary to insert stirruping in the open
cores (see Fig. 4.28).
4.4
Beams cast in situ
141
Fig. 4.32
f)
Chapter 4
Shear stresses in the attachment section of concrete nuclei to

the beam when shear reinforcement is missing.
The bond between beam and the rough end of the hollow core slab,
when not cut with a disc, corroborates the attachment section of the
nuclei and participate actively in supporting the floor (see Fig. 4.33).
Fig. 4.33
If the ends of the hollow core slab are rough, shear stresses at
the interface with the beam are distributed throughout the
entire end section of the slab.
g) It is necessary to ensure that the hollow core slabs for this kind of beamfloor connection are laid in situ without any sort of crack already open at
the ends.
It is thus necessary to make sure that vertical spalling stress spi max
(see paragraph 3.5.2. above) at the time of the application of prestressing
is definitely within the limits prescribed by Standard EN 1168, Art.
4.3.1.6, by taking into account the safety coefficient sp = 1.2.
142
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
h) Safeguarding against the appearance of cracks in hollow core floor ends

suspended in the operating phase requires the maximum principal stress
at the end of each web to remain below threshold fctd calculated on the
final strength of the concrete of the slab. Indeed, when the building
comes into use, vertical spalling stress sp is reduced with respect to the
time of the application of prestressing (see point i of the concluding
observations in paragraph 3.5.2.), but it combines with stress sd due to
the suspension of the slab on the nuclei of concrete protruding from the
beam (see Figs. 4.27 and 4.30).
The prescription is effective according to both Limit States and
Allowable Stresses methods, depending on the designers choice.
Fig 4.34
4.4
Principal stress Id , that is, the combination of spalling stress

with suspension stress in the end of web i of the hollow core
slab when the ordinary support is lacking.
Beams cast in situ
143
Chapter 4
The verification indicated in prescription h) consists of calculating principal

tensile stress I,d which must not be greater than the tensile strength of the
prefabricated concrete in the most stressed web (see Fig. 4.34).
I, d = spi,d (t) + sd cos 2 +

2
( sd sin 2 ) 2 + spi, d (t) + sd cos 2

2
fctd
with
sd
spi,d(t)
fctd
Vsd
b'w
d'
n,bc
Ecm / Epm
p
bi
bw
spi
Pm,o
Pm(t)
Pt
144
= calculated value of shear stress sd = Vsd / 0.9 d'b'w;

= calculated value of sp at time (t) in the most stressed web:
spi,d(t) = p spi Pm(t)/ Pm.o;
= design tensile strength of the slab concrete;
= shear in the interface section between prefabricated slab and in
situ cast;
= angle between spalling stress and shear (approximately
20 25 and thus cos 2 0.7);
= total width of the webs in the composite end section of slab
also taking into account the number of cores filled with
concrete coming from the beam: b'w = bw + n bc Ecm / Epm;
= effective height of the composite reinforced section;
= number and width of cores filled with concrete coming from
the beam;
= ratio between the elastic moduli of cast concrete and
prefabricated concrete;
= partial safety factor of prestressing forces for ULS: p = 1.2;
= width of web "i" undergoing the greatest spalling stress in the
hollow core slab;
= total width of the webs of the prefabricated hollow core slab;
= spalling in the webs at the time of prestressing, calculated
according to point 4.3.1.6. of the European Standard EN 1168
(see paragraph 3.5.2.above);
= mean force of prestressing at time of application to the slab;
= mean force of prestressing at time (t): Pm(t) = Pm,o -Pt;
= loss of prestressing force at time (t): Pt = (Pm,o-Pm,) t;
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
Pm,
t
t
= final force of prestressing after deduction of all losses;

= non-linear coefficient in order to obtain effective losses as a
function of time;
= time elapsed from application of prestressing to application of
actions
t =
2 months
t = 0.5
t =
3 months
t = 0.6
t =
6 months
t = 0.7
t =
1 year
t = 0.8
Concluding remarks
The prescriptions listed clearly indicate that hollow core slabs with the
largest number of cores and webs offer the best assurance of good suspension
on beams cast in situ owing to the good diffusion of continuity reinforcement
and the higher value of bw.
That is to say, the greater the sum of thicknesses of webs in a hollow core slab
the greater is its suspension loadbearing capacity, while value I,d is greatly
reduced.
To keep spalling stresses low it is a good idea for the hollow core slabs not to
be excessively prestressed and therefore for their slenderness not to be
extreme.
For the safe suspension of a slab having a width of 120 cm it is best for the
sum of thicknesses of webs to be bw 38 40 cm and for the l/h
(slenderness) ratio to be kept below 30 35 for floors with normal civil
loads. With heavier overloads (8.0 - 10.0 kN/m2) it must remain below 30.
4.4
Beams cast in situ
145
Chapter 4
Examples of connection verifications

Example 4.1
A beam cast in situ carries two spans of floor in continuity: h = 300 mm
having width b = 1.2 m and clear span l = 9.60 m for both spans.
4.0 kN/m2
8.0 kN/m2
The dead weight of the assembled floor is

Total overload capacity is
The characteristics of the cross section and reinforcement in the hollow core
slab are those indicated in Fig. 4.35 (cross section of the floor near the slab
ends).
h=300 mm
Prescriptions a), b), c), d), are complied with. Condition f) is considered not
applicable since the hollow core slab ends were cut with a diamond disc.
bw = 380 mm
nbc = 820 mm
35 mm
n. 6 strands 33 + 418 mm
35 mm
n. 8 strands 0.5" + 410 mm
b = 1200 mm
Q tot = 12.0 kN/m 2
Vsd
n = 300 mm
/2=4.8 m
Fig. 4.35
146
418 mm
Vsd
410 mm
n = 300 mm
/2=4.8 m
Verification of a slip-formed hollow core floor of depth h = 300

mm as a clear span between beams cast in situ (floor without
direct support on the beam).
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
A check is made on prescription e) to see that it is verified.

In correspondence to the attachment of each hollow core slab to the beam, the
shear value with a slab 1.20 m wide at the ULS is:
Vsd
Vsd
= (G G + Q Q) b l/2
= (1.4 4.0 + 1.5 8.0) 1.2 x 4.8 = 101.38 kN
Lacking stirruping in the nuclei of cast concrete, it is necessary to verify the

calculated shear strength of the section of attachment of the nuclei to the
beam.
It must be:
VRd
Vsd
with
VRd
= Rd k (1.2 + 40) n bc d' (EC2 ENV 1992-1-1 Art. 4.3.2.3.)
The following value is attributed to Class C25/30 concrete with fck = 25
N/mm2 and with c = 1.6:
Rd
= 0.28 N/mm2
(see table 5.1 Cap. 5 below)
it is also:
nbc
= 820 mm
total width of nuclei cast in situ in the slab end;
d'
= 245 mm
the effective height of nuclei cast in situ;
k
= 1.6 - d' [m] = 1.355 dimensional coefficient (ENV 1992-1-1,
Art. 4.3.2.3)
Afl
= 1018 mm2 cross-sectional area of the upper four bars 18 mm;
= Afl/n bc d' = 0.00506 reinforcement coefficient;

thus
VRd
= 0.28 1.355 (1.2 + 40 0.00506) 820 245 =

= 106892 N = 106 kN > Vsd = 101.38 kN
which means that verification is satisfactory, although at the
limit of acceptability.
Prescription g) was verified in paragraph 3.5.2. by example of calculation

3.2.
4.4
Beams cast in situ
147
Chapter 4
It is seen (formula [SP]in paragraph 3.5.2.) that for webs reinforced with one
0.5" strand the value of vertical tension stress at the end of the slab (spalling)
at the time of application of prestressing is:
spi
= 0.815 N/mm2
Since we considered that the concrete of the slab at the time of applying
prestressing was Class 30/37, we have:
fctk 0.05
= 2.03 N/mm2
Stress spi is admitted at the time of applying prestressing and it is also
accepted in the case of a future link of the floor without direct support on the
beam. It must be:
spi
fctk0.05 / sp
with
sp
1.2
[as in prescription g) above]
In reality we have
spi
< 2.03/1.2 N/mm2 = 1.69 N/mm2
Now we must verify prescription h).
The prefabricated slab is made of concrete having a final class of C45/55 for
which we have:
fctd
= 1.87 N/mm2
(see Table 5.1 in paragraph 5.4.1., the value for Controlled Mass-Production.
It is assumed that the application of overloads with the building in use takes
place three months after the laying of the slab and four months after applying
prestressing at manufacturer's works.
This gives us for a time t = 4 months the assumption of the value
t
= 0.65
[see Comments, point h) above]
Let us consider that on applying prestressing the stress in the strands was
Pm,o
= 1250 N/mm2
while on final loss of prestressing it is
Pm,
= 1100 N/mm2
148
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
from previous data we deduce that at time t = 4 months the stress in the
strands was
Pm(t)
= Pm,o -(Pm,o - Pm,) t = 1152 N/mm2
Spalling stress at time t = 4 months is thus
spi,d/(t)
p spi Pm(t) / Pm,o = 1.2 0.815 1152/1250 = 0.90 N/mm2
We saw previously that shear at the end section of the slab is:
Vsd = 101.38 kN.
The calculated shear stress sd is
sd
= Vsd / 0.9 d b'w
with
d
b'w
= 265 mm effective height of the hollow core slab

= bw + n bc Ecm/Ecp = 380 + 820 x 30500/35700 = 1080 mm
from which
sd
= 101380/(0.9 265 1080) = 0.39 N/mm2
Furthermore, since angle 22.5 and 2 = 45 we have:

= cos 2 = 0.7
sin 2
From this it follows that
I,d
= (spi,d (t) + sd cos 2 ) /2 +
I,d
= [0.90 + 0.39 0,7] /2 + (0.39 0.7) 2 + [(0.90 + 0.39 0.7) / 2] 2
I,d
= 0.586 + 0.646 = 1.232 N/mm2
( sd sin 2 ) 2 + [(spi, d (t) + sd cos 2 ) / 2]2
This value is much lower than fctd = 1.87 N/mm2 and the possibility of using
the floor as a clear span is amply verified.
4.4
Beams cast in situ
149
Chapter 4
Example 4.2
The previous example is repeated but instead of considering a slipformed
slab we now consider an extruded one of the same depth and having the same
reinforcement (eight 0.5" strands).
bw=235 mm
nbc=965 mm
h=300 mm
35 mm
n. 2 strands 3/8+418 mm
b = 1200 mm
Fig. 4.36
35 mm
n. 8 strands 0,5+410 mm
Verification of an extruded slab h = 300 mm in exactly the same

conditions as the previous example with identical
reinforcement.
This slab has four cores and five webs. Thus the webs most stressed by
spalling are reinforced by two 0.5" strands and have a maximum width of
49 mm.
Spalling at the time of applying prestressing (formula [SP] of paragraph
3.5.2.) is
spi
= 1.32 N/mm2
This stress, since it is less than 1.69, satisfies the prescription g):
spi <
fctk 0.05 / sp
with
fctk 0.05 / sp
= 2.03/1.2 = 1.69 N/mm2 as in the previous example
In order to verify prescription e) as well, we must have:

VRd
Vsd
having as in Example 4.1:

Vsd
= 101.38 kN
and
VRd
150
= Rd k (1.2 + 40 ) n bc d'
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
where
Rd
nbc
d'
k
Afl
=
=
=
=
=
=
0.28 N/mm2
965 mm
245 mm
1.35
1018 mm2
Afl / n bc d' = 0.0043
we have
VRd
= 0.28 1.35 (1.2 + 40 0.0043) 965 245 =
= 122613 N = 122 kN
and effectively we have
VRd
> Vsd = 101.38 kN
We shall now verify prescription h): it must be:
I,d
fctd with fctd = 1.87 N/mm2
Assuming the same characteristics relating to the time of application of loads
as in the previous example, we have:
Pm,o
= 1250 N/mm2
Pm(t)
= 1152 N/mm2
and consequently we have:
spid(t) = p spi Pm(t) / Pm,o
spid(t) = 1.2 1.32 1152 / 1250 = 1.46 N/mm2
The shear value remains as in the previous example
Vsd =
101.38 kN
To calculate the value of shear stress sd we consider that
d
= 265 mm
b'w
= bw + n bc Ecm/Epm = 235 + 965 30500 / 35700 = 1059 mm
from which
= Vsd/ 0.9 d' b'w
sd
4.4
Beams cast in situ
151
sd
Chapter 4
= 101380 / (0.9 265 1059) = 0.40 N/mm2
thus
I,d
= (spi,d (t) + sd cos 2 ) /2 +
I,d
= [1.46 + 0.4 0.7] / 2 + (0.4 0.7) 2 + [(1.46 + 0.4 0.7) / 2] 2
= 1.78 N/mm2
This value is acceptable because < fctd = 1.87 N/mm2. However, it is at the
limit of acceptability in "Controlled Mass-production" while it is not
acceptable in "Normal Production" in which the limit is fctd = 1.77 N/mm2
(see Table 5.1).
Example 4.3.
A beam cast in situ without direct support for a slipformed hollow core floor
h = 400 mm with a clear span l = 12.0 m.
The dead weight of the assembled floor is
4.8 kN/m2
Total overload capacity is
6.0 kN/m2
In Fig. 4.37 the characteristics of the cross section of the hollow core slab
(section of the floor near the ends) are shown.
nbc = 800 mm
35 mm
n. 5 strands 33 + 412 mm
h=400 mm
b w = 400 mm
35 mm
n. 8 strands 0.5" + 412 mm
b = 1200 mm
Q tot. = 10.8 kN/m2
412 mm
Vsd
n = 400 mm
/2=6 m
Fig. 4.37
152
Slipformed hollow core slab h = 40 cm, reinforced with eight

0.5" strands.
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
As in the previous examples, prescriptions a), b), c), d), are satisfied and
condition f) is not considered applicable since the slab ends were cut with a
diamond disc.
Prescription e) is here below verified.
The shear value of a slab 1.20 m wide is
Vsd
= (g G + Q Q) b l/2
Vsd
= (1.4 4.8 + 1.5 6.0) 1.2 12.00/2 = 113.18 kN
Lacking stirruping, in the attachment section of the nuclei cast with Class C
25/30 concrete it must be
VRd
Vsd
where, as in the previous examples
Rd
= 0.28 N/mm2
VRd
Rd k(1.2 + 40 ) n bc d'
The geometric characteristics of the beam-floor attachment section are:

nbc
= 800 mm
total width of nuclei cast in situ
d'
= 340 mm
effective height of nuclei cast in situ
= 1.6 - d'[m] = 1.26
Afl
= 452 mm2 (4 12 mm)
= Afl / n bc d' = 0.00166
from which we have

VRd
= 0.28 1.26 (1.2 + 40 0.00166) 800 340

= 121530 N = 121.53 kN
We have VRd > Vsd for which there is no need for additional stirruping.
4.4
Beams cast in situ
153
Chapter 4
Verification of prescription g)
Each web is reinforced with a 0.5" strand placed at 35 mm from the bottom
side. By applying the formula [SP] in paragraph 3.5.2. we obtain the value of
spalling stress spi at the time of application of prestressing.
We have:
spi
= 1.11 N/mm2
and such stress is acceptable, both on applying prestressing with class

C 30/37 concrete and fctk0.05 = 2.03 N/mm2, as in the case of suspension of
the floor, since spi < fctk0.05 /sp
with
sp
1.2
and
fctk0.05 /sp
1.69 N/mm2
We shall now verify prescription h)

The final class of the concrete in the slab is C 45/55, for which we have
fctd
= 1.87 N/mm2
We assume that time t of application of the overload is still four months from
the prestressing of the slab for which we have
= 0.65
Stresses in the strands are the following:

Pm,o
= 1250 N/mm2
on application of prestressing
Pm,
= 1070 N/mm2
when prestressing losses are finished
on application of overloads at time t = 4 months we have
154
Pm(t)
= Pm,o -(Pm,o - Pm,) t
Pm(t)
= 1250 - 180 0.65 = 1133 N/mm2
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
Spalling stress at time t = 4 months is thus
p spi Pm(t) / Pm,o
spid(t)
spid(t)
= 1.2 1.11 1133/1250 = 1.21 N/mm2
If, as seen previously, the value for shear on the slab end section is
Vsd
= 113.2 kN
we calculate shear stress
sd
= Vsd / 0.9 d b'w
in which we have
d
= 365 mm
effective height of the hollow core slab
b'w
= bw + n bc Ecm/Ecp
b'w
= 400 + 800 0.82 = 1056 mm
from which we obtain
sd
= 113,200 / (0.9 365 1056) = 0.33 N/mm2
We thus find the principal tensile stress
I,d
= (spi,d (t) + sd cos 2 ) /2 +
I,d
= [1.21 + 0,33 0.7] /2 + (0.33 0.7)2 + [(1.21 + 0.33 0.7) / 2] 2
I,d
= 0.725 + 0.760 = 1.48 N/mm2
The result is I,d < fctd = 1.87 N/mm2 and therefore the suspension is feasible
and perfectly safe.
4.4
Beams cast in situ
155
Chapter 4
Example 4.4
We repeat the case proposed in Example 4.3, but this time we replace the
slipformed slab with an extruded one having the same depth.
bw=265 mm
nbc=935 mm
h=400 mm
35 mm
n 2 strands 3/8+412 mm
bi
L = 1200 mm
Fig. 4.38
35 mm
n 8 strands 0,5+412 mm
Extruded hollow core slab, h = 40 cm. in exactly the same

conditions as in the previous example and with the same
reinforcement.
This slab has webs among which the most exposed to spalling stress are
reinforced with two 0.5" strands.
The formula [SP] given in paragraph 3.5.2. supplies initial spalling stress
spi
= 1.69 N/mm2
This value, being lower than fctk 0.05 = 2.03 N/mm2 and equal to fctd/sp = 1.69
N/mm2 just satisfies the condition foreseen in point g) even though it is at the
limit of acceptability and thus of safety.
We shall now verify prescription e)
VRd
Vsd
As in the previous example
156
Vsd
= 113.18 kN
Rd
= 0.28 N/mm2
VRd
Rdk (1.2 + 40) n bc d'
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Chapter 4
with
=
=
=
=
=
nbc
d'
k
Afl
935 mm
340 mm
1.6 - d' [m] = 1.26
452 mm2 (4 12 mm)
Afl / n bc d' = 0.00142
from which
= 0.28 1.26 (1.2 + 40 0.00142) 935 340
VRd
= 140956 N = 141 kN
The result is VRd > Vsd , and the condition is satisfied.
Verification of prescription h)
For the final prefabricated concrete class C 45/55 it is still
= 1.87 N/mm2
fctd
Keeping the times of overload application and stresses in the prestressing

strands the same, we have
spid(t)
= p spi Pm(t) / Pm, o
spid(t)
= 1.2 1.69 1133 / 1250 = 1.84 N/mm2
The shear value remains the same

= 113.2 N/mm2
Vsd
Shear stress is
sd
= Vsd / 0.9 d b'w
with
d
b'w
b'w
4.4
= 365 mm
= bw + n bc Ecm / Ecp
= 265 + 935 0.82 = 1032 mm
Beams cast in situ
157
Chapter 4
from which we obtain
sd
= 113200 / (0.9 365 1032) = 0.33 N/mm2
The principal tensile stress is
I,d
= [ 1.84 + 0.33 0.7] /2 + (0.33 0.7)2 + [(1.84 + 0.33 0.7) / 2] 2

= 2.09 N/mm2
We find I,d = 2.09 N/mm2 > fctd = 1.87 N/mm2 and as a result suspension
is not feasible.
Even if we brought the eight prestressing strands to 40 mm from the intrados
instead of 35 mm, thus obtaining more favourable spalling amounting to
spi = 1.54 N/mm2 calculation of the principal stress I,d = 1.91 N/mm2
would still not be acceptable.
Example 4.5
Let us reconsider the previous example with prestressing reinforcement
composed of five 0.6" strands placed at 35 mm from the intrados instead of
eight 0.5" strands. This reinforcement is 6.5% less than that of the previous
exercise, but it is still sufficient to hold the floor with the foreseen span and
overload.
h=400 mm
bw=265 mm
nbc=935 mm
35 mm
n 2 strands 3/8+412 mm
bi
L = 1200 mm
35 mm
n 8 strands 0,6+412 mm
The example of calculation 3.3 in paragraph 3.5.2 supplies the initial spalling
for a 0.6" strand in the same section
spi
= 0.99 N/mm2
and therefore the tension conditions in the webs are clearly more favourable.
158
4.4
Beams cast in situ
Captulo 4
We verify only prescription h)

spid(t)
= pspi Pm(t) / Pm, o
spid(t)
= 1.2 0.99 1133 / 1250 = 1.08 N/mm2
Vsd
= 113.2 N/mm2
as in the previous example
2
sd
= 0.33 N/mm
as in the previous example
The principal tensile stress is
I, d
= [ 1.08 + 0.33 0.7 ] /2 + (0.33 0.7) 2 + [(1.08 + 0.33 0.7) / 2] 2
= 1.35 N/mm2
we have I, d = 1.35 N/mm2 < fctd = 1.87 N/mm2 thus the value is fully
acceptable for suspension.
4.5. The connection between hollow core floor and reinforced

concrete loadbearing wall
The hollow core floor is sometimes bound to the multistorey loadbearing
parting walls cast in situ by means of a fixed restraint (see Fig. 4.39).
The parting wall must be sufficiently wide since the hollow core slabs must
be laid with an overlap of at least 3 cm prior to the in situ casting that forms
the structural joint (see paragraph 3.6).
Moreover, the width of the tying beam between the hollow core slab ends
shall not be less than 8 cm (Italian Prefab Regulations Art. 2.11.2.b).
The loadbearing strength of the vertical section of the floor in correspondence to the union shall be not less than that of the wall. It is thus necessary to fill the cores carefully to the entire length of the support on the
loadbearing parting wall.
Fig. 4.39 illustrates the problems of the floor - parting wall connection and
suggests the adoption of solution c) whenever possible.
This solution refers back to the ways of suspending the floor as a clear
span from beams cast in situ that were discussed in detail in paragraphs
4.4.2, 4.4.3 and 4.4.4.
4.5
The connection between hollow core floor and reinforced concrete loadbearing wall
159
Chapter 4
Much more frequent is the case of a hollow core floor with a fixed end in the
top of a reinforced concrete wall.
It is often the case of the cover of a tank or underground storage areas where
there is the possibility of very heavy overloads weighing on the floor or when
they are used to cover canals or tunnels on which there may be the passage of
road traffic.
Minimum width of
tying beam is 8 cm
Minimum support
length is 3 cm
a)
b)
c)
Fig. 4.39
The connection between hollow core floor and reinforced

concrete parting wall.
a) Suitable support of the floor on the parting wall interrupts the reinforcing running up the loadbearing wall.
b) The minimum allowable support may not interrupt the
reinforcing running up the wall, but it is too small during
the laying. To be on the safe side it is necessary to put up
temporary timbering to support the floor prior to the
casting of the tying beam.
c) When overloads are not excessive, it is expedient to suspend the floor as a clear span following support on timbering temporarily.
As illustrated in Fig. 4.40, in all these cases special care must go into the
realization of an effective fixed joint by means of very diffuse and suitable
160
4.5.
Chapter 4
reinforcement to transfer traction from the hollow core floor extrados to the
taut edge of the bearing wall.
Fig. 4.40
Connection between hollow core floor and retaining wall, with

fixed end.
Some loadbearing walls cast in situ or even prefabricated are equipped with
a corbel to support the hollow core floor as illustrated in Fig. 4.41.
In such cases the bond between floor and wall is almost always a case of
simple support.
8 cm (minimum width)
Support on rubber
tape
Fig. 4.41
4.5
The wall - hollow core floor connection with a bond of simple

support.
161
Chapter 4
To assure a metal link between wall and floor it is necessary for a series of
stirrups of small diameter to overhang from the supporting corbel enough to
connect a narrow, tying beam to which the floor is linked.
4.6. The large holes in hollow core slab floors

In some cases the design of the floor to be laid calls for hollow core slabs
with holes larger than the notches discussed in paragraph 2.3.4.
2.40 m
1.50 m
Fig. 4.42
162
Example of a large hole in a hollow core floor.
4.6.
The large holes in hollow core slab floors
Chapter 4
Such large holes may be of such a size as to involve the entire width of a slab
or that of slabs on either side of it to allow the inclusion of skylights, large
vertical equipment, stairs or internal passageways between floors.
In these cases, exemplified in Fig. 4.42, it is essential to design a suitable
support for the slabs cut to make room for the hole.
Among the different kinds of support possible, here we focus on two systems
applied with a certain frequency. These are shown in Figs. 4.43 and 4.44.
The first system (see Fig. 4.43) consists of a small steel beam, frequently
galvanized, verified for transferring to adjacent hollow core slabs the dead
weight of the shorter slab or slabs and the overloads that they must bear.
Fig. 4.43
Example of a small steel beam having a span of 120 - 240 cm to

support hollow core slabs in the presence of large openings.
Generally speaking, the length of the steel beam is between 120 and 240 cm.
The two concentrated loads on the supports of the small beam must
obviously be considered in calculations to verify the two hollow core slabs
that bear them.
4.6.
163
Chapter 4
It is best to make sure that the supports of the beam are locked to the
supporting hollow core slabs to avoid all possible rotation or accidental
shifting of the beam that may compromise the support of the hollow core slab
lying on it.
The second system (see Fig. 4.44) is less simple but allows support of more
than two slabs in the presence of very large openings.
Essentially, it consists of creating a reinforced concrete beam immediately
facing the ends of the hollow core slabs facing the opening.
The longer slabs, to which the beam cast in situ is bound, must be capable of
bearing the concentrated load on them.
As can be seen in Fig. 4.44, for the realization of a good connection between
the reinforced concrete beam and the hollow core slabs supported as a clear
span it is necessary to take into account the ways of suspending discussed in
paragraphs 4.4.2, 4.4.3 and 4.4.4.
Reinforcement embedded
with cast in situ concrete
Fig. 4.44
164
Example of a reinforced concrete beam cast in situ to support

hollow core slabs involved in a large opening.
4.6.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
5.1. General considerations

As is the case for all structures, the design of hollow core floors is an operation that takes place in five separate and equally important phases:
a)
considerations on materials to be used;
b) analysis of the overall structure and the static and flexural peculiarities
of the hollow core floor;
c)
preliminary dimensioning and design taking into account all static, flexural and deforming behaviours of the slab, including long-term ones;
d) graphic representation of the structures;

e)
calculation with verification of flexure, shear and various stresses.
In this chapter we examine the materials, the criteria for pre-dimensioning and
design concerning hollow core floors.
Much space is devoted to the analysis of states causing deformation of slab
since it has been found that the importance of this issue is often underestimated by many designers and manufacturers of hollow core slabs. The latter, in
order to reduce the weight and cost of slabs tend to supply very thin slabs
which are consequently strongly prestressed on the lower edge and subject to
concrete tensile stresses on the upper edge. Thus these slabs inevitably present
excessive camber, which in time, and varying from case to case, tends to decrease or increase and will create serious problems for the building owner.
Special attention is devoted to slab deflection at the time of final inspection to
respond to frequently-expressed perplexities of inspectors on finding elastic
sag which is in all cases inexplicably less than expected.
Specific methods for calculating and verifying hollow core floors will be described in a forthcoming ASSAP publication in which theory and practice will
be discussed in great detail.
5.1.
General considerations
165
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
5.2. Properties of materials and partial safety factors

In design and verification calculations at U.L.S. (Ultimate Limit States) it is
operationally expedient to supply a synthesis of the properties of materials,
such as strengths, and of their partial safety factors. The latter, generically
defined with m, become c, s for concrete and steel respectively.
Strength Rd, in investigating the stressing effects of actions, will thus be
based on characteristic strengths divided by an appropriate m > 1 to take
into account possible differences between results obtained on test specimens
and those obtained with the real material.
In general, therefore, a value fd = fk/m will represent the calculated strength
to be used in the static analysis.
5.2.1. Properties of concrete

In Eurocode 2 ENV 1992-1-1 and pr EN 1992-1, all resistive properties of
concrete are correlated to characteristic strength at cylinder compression
fck. The subdivision into strength classes, for example C 20/25 N/mm2, is
therefore on the basis of cylinder/cube strengths. Lacking more accurate
direct determinations, Eurocode 2 and the Italian NAD establish the
following correlations between concrete resistive properties
fck
characteristic cylinder strength of concrete
fck cube =
fck
166
characteristic cube strength of concrete
0.83 fck cube
ratio between cylinder and cube characteristic resistance to compression of the concrete
5.2.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
fctm
0.30 fck2/3
mean value of axial tensile strength
fctk0.05
0.7 fctm
lower characteristic axial tensile strength (5%

fractile)
fctk0.95
1.3 fctm
upper characteristic axial tensile strength

(95% fractile)
fcfm
1.2 fctm
mean value of flexural tensile strenght
Ecm
9500 (fck + 8)
1/3
secant modulus of elasticity (ENV 1992-1-1,

par. 3.1.2.5.2.)
Conversion for evaluating calculated strengths thus takes place on the basis
of the following ratios
fck cube
fcd = 0.83
design value of cylinder compressive strenght
fctk 0.05
fctd =
design value of axial tensile strenght
fcfm
fcfd =
Rd = 0.25
5.2.
design value of flexural tensile strenght
fctk 0.05
design value of shear strenght
167
168
5.2.
0.32
0.34
0.37
0.41
0.44
0.48
0.36
0.40
27400 29000 30500 32000 32000 33300 34500 35700 36800 32000 33300 34500 35700 36800
0.28
Ecm
0.24
0.21
Rd
2.71
2.45
3.26
3.04
2.81
2.57
2.32
2.17
1.92
1.66
1.43
fcfd
1.58
1.43
1.90
1.77
1.64
1.50
1.35
1.27
1.12
0.97
0.83
fctd
24.65
21.13
33.33
30.00
26.67
23.33
20.00
18.75
15.63
12.50
10.00
fcd
0.43
2.97
1.73
28.17
4.21
3.85
3.48
4.89
4.55
4.21
3.85
3.48
3.48
3.08
2.65
2.29
fcfm
4.56
4.17
3.77
5.29
4.93
4.56
4.17
3.77
3.77
3.33
2.87
2.48
fctk 0.95
2.46
2.25
2.03
2.85
2.66
2.46
2.25
2.03
2.03
1.80
1.55
1.33
fctk 0.05
3.51
3.21
2.90
4.07
3.80
3.51
3.21
2.90
2.90
2.56
2.21
1.90
fctm
40
35
30
50
45
40
35
30
30
25
20
0.47
3.21
1.87
31.69
4.55
4.93
2.66
3.80
45
0.50
3.44
2.01
35.21
4.89
5.29
2.85
4.07
50
61
16
55
fck
49
43
37
61
55
49
43
37
37
31
C
50/60
25
C
45/55
20
C
40/50
C
35/45
C
30/37
C
50/60
C
45/55
C
40/50
C
35/45
C
30/37
C
30/37
C
25/30
1.42
Prestressed hollow core slab concrete
in Controlled Mass-Production
c =
fck cube
C
20/25
1.5
Prestressed hollow core slab
concrete
c =
C
16/20
1.6
In situ concrete for
joins and topping
c =
Concrete
Class
Values
in
N/mm2
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
Table 5.1.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The following safety factor values are typic for the Italian Building Standard:
c = 1.6
for concrete with normal reinforcement
c = 1.5
for normal concrete produced in "Controlled MassProduction" (Italian Prefab Regulations)
c = 1.5
for prestressed concrete
c = 1.42 for prestressed concrete produced in "Controlled MassProduction

As concerns prestressed hollow core slab floors and the Italian Building
Standard, Table 5.1 can be considered a basic reference.
5.2.2. Steel properties.

For design purposes the following mechanical properties are relevant:
Steel for ordinary reinforcement
-
characteristic tensile strength
ftk
characteristic yield strenght
fyk
ductility parameters
uk > 5 %
high
(ft/fy)k > 1.08
5.2.
169
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
uk > 2.5%
normal
(ft/fy)k > 1.05
For design at the Ultimate Limit State (U.L.S.) of cross sections (which in
the case of hollow core floors are prevalently those subject to negative
moment) according to ENV 1992-1-1 (4.2.2.3.2.) we can assume a stressdeformation diagram of the type illustrated in Fig. 5.2 constructed for a FeB
44 K steel with s = 1.15.
= N/mm2
600
540
fyk
fyk
ftk
FeB 44k
500
ftk
IDEAL
DESIGN
400
300
200
100
Es = 200 kN/mm2
2
Fig. 5.2
170
10
uk
Design stress-elongation diagram for normal reinforcement

steel
5.2.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Prestressing steels
-
fp0.1k
characteristic value of proof-stress at 0.1% of residual

deformation
uk
characteristic value of uniform elongation corresponding to

maximum load
fpk
characteristic tensile strength
The properties discussed above, which can be deduced in terms of value from
EN 10138 or ENV 1992-1-1 - 4.2.3.3.3., must be certified by means of
documents indicating technical approval.
According to ENV 1992-1-1 (4.2.3.3.3.), for calculation at U.L.S. a stressdeformation diagram of the type illustrated in fig. 5.2 can be assumed for
prestressing reinforcement with the upper branch inclined and with steel
deformation limited to 10 per thousand beyond decompression.
Concerning the partial safety coefficient for steel,
in constructing the diagram.
s = 1.15 was assumed
= N/mm2
2000
1900
1800
strand 3 3 mm
strand
1487
0.9 fpk
strand 3 3 mm
strand
fpk
fpk
fpk/s
fpk/s
1409
1000
IDEAL
DESIGN
Es = 200 kN/mm2
5
Fig. 5.2
5.2.
10
15
20
25
30
35
uk
Stress-elongation diagram of prestressing steel
171
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
5.3. Static and geometric preliminary dimensioning

By preliminary dimensioning is meant the proper, prior determination of
floor depth, reinforcement and structural connections as a function of effective design requirements.
These consist of the conservation of long-term structural functionality, the
maintaining of the aesthetics of the structure and the safeguarding of the integrity of elements connected to the structure, such as rigid partitions, windows, frames, pavements and so on.
The minimum depth of the floor and concrete topping, when required, is determined as a function of span and restraint conditions (simple support or
structural continuity). But the designer must also be careful in evaluating the
type of structure, dead weights and overloads, the use to which it is to be put
and the limits of deformation as well as environmental considerations and
use (fire-resistance), that is, the presence of exceptional overloads and the extent of flexural and shear actions acting on the structures.
Decisions concerning prestressing reinforcement and its concrete cover are
directly consequent to these design choices.
Specific design aspects may require different sizing with respect to the preliminary dimensioning rules given below.
Structural detailed calculation, which is required in all cases, shall be carried
out to justify the final design dimensioning.
5.3.1. Use-graphs
All manufacturers of hollow core floors advertise the types of slabs they produce through technical literature in which the use-graph is almost always
presented.
These graphs show the maximum performance offered by each kind of prestressed slab with the maximum applicable reinforcement in conformity with
limits established by the codes.
172
5.3.
5.3.
30
10
h=15+4 cm
h=15 cm
h=20+4 cm
h=20 cm
20
h=25 cm
h=25+4 cm
h=30 cm
h=35+6 cm
h=35 cm
h=30+4 cm
40
50
60
70
(kN/m2)
h=40+6 cm
h=40 cm
11
12
h=70 cm
Fig. 5.1
10
h=50 cm
h=50+8 cm
h=60 cm
h=60+8 cm
13
14
h=70+8 cm
15
16
17
18
19
20
L (m)
Use-graphs referring to hollow core floors without topping

and with a corroborant concrete topping appearing in Table
2.4 in Chapter 2.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
173
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
Every point on the graph expresses essentially the maximum rated positive
bending moment that remains constant as a function of the calculated span
and the useful overload.
The use-graphs shown in Fig. 5.1 do not take into account the limits imposed
by shear stresses in play nor other factors such as slenderness limits imposed
by the codes or by the specific requirements for the connection of the floor
without direct support on the beam.
5.3.2. Limits of slenderness

It was observed in paragraph 3.2 above that Art. 7.3.2 of the Italian Building
Standard as well as paragraph 2.2.1 of the CNR 10025/98 Instructions fix the
criteria for use in determining the minimum depth of hollow core floors.
That is to say, it must be:
-
for hollow core floors without a corrobant concrete topping Art. 7.3.2 of
Italian Building Standard
floors with simple support :
lc/h 35
floors restrained or in continuity :
lc/h 42
for hollow core floors with a corroborant concrete topping with depth s
(Paragraph 2.2.1 of the CNR 10025/98 Instructions):
lc
floors with simple support :
h + s/2
floors restrained or in continuity :
lc
h + s/2
35
42
These slenderness limits are to be found neither in the Eurocode nor in the
updated pr EN 1168, but it is advisable to take them into consideration in all
cases as good design practice so as to establish the best depth of the floor envisaged by means of the use-graphs and to meet the deflection limits normally imposed.
When theese limits are not met, the calculation of elastic and long-term deformations is recommended.
174
5.3.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
5.3.3. Analytical method for preliminary dimensioning

What was stated above, taken from Italian Standards, is a sufficiently good
approximation of parameters for controlling elastic deformation, represented
by the restraint condition, but it does not account for the amount of loads
which also quantitatively influence elastic deflections.
Therefore Art. 7.3.2. of Italian Building Standard also proposes verification
of the fact that under permanent and variable loads the instantaneous elastic
deflection is
is
lc/1000
If this expression of instantaneous deflection is connected with the general

expression of elastic deflection in the different restraint conditions and with
uniformly distributed load:
is
(Gk + Qik) lc4

=K
EI
we obtain an analytical design approach from which we can arrive at inertial

moment I of the hollow core floor with reference to all factors in play:
lc
1000
(Gk + Qik) lc4

EI
from which:
I (Gk + Qik) lc3
since
5.3.
175
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
I [cm4]
Chapter 5
= moment of inertia for the width of 1 m of slab floor, which assures

compliance with the condition e lc/1000 for the loads considered.
K = function of the restraints of the structure equal to

K =
0.0130
for simple support
(5.0/384)
K =
0.0099
for reduced restraint
(3.8/384)
K =
0.0078
for partial fixed end
(3.0/384)
C 45/55 =
Ecm
=
=
=
=
lc
=
=
=
Gk
Qik
cylinder and cubic strength of the concrete

36 kN/mm2 (ENV 1992-1-1, par. 3.1.2.5.2.)
multiplying coefficient = K 103/Ecm . It equals:
0.325 for simple support
[when M = 1/8 (Gk + Qik) lc2]
0.247 for reduced restraint [when M = 1/10 (Gk + Qik) lc2]
0.195 for partial fixed end
[when M = 1/12 (Gk + Qik) lc2]
calculated span
permanent actions
variable actions
[m]
[daN/m2]
[daN/m2]
Having found the unitary moment of inertia, which is valid for slab width
b = 100 cm, this is compared with the next highest unitary moment tabulated in the literature supplied by the manufacturer, taking into account the real
width of the slab to which it refers.
Together with the latter value we will read the depth of the corresponding
hollow core floor.
Examples of calculation
The floor is dimensioned with the following data in the examples that follow:
=
12 m
calculated span
lc
permanent overloads
Gk
=
250 daN/m2
variable overloads
Qik
=
400 daN/m2
176
5.3.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Example 5.1:
For simple support we have
= 0.325
3
4
I 0.325 (250 + 400) 12 = 365,040 cm /m
For hollow core slabs with b = 1.20 m we have
I' = 365,040 1.20 = 438,048 cm4
I * = 465,000 cm4 It is the next highest manufacturer's tabulated value for
b = 1.20 m (see Table 2.4 in Chapter 2) to which corresponds the depth of
the floor h = 40 cm without topping.
Example 5.2:
For partial fixed end (continuity) we have = 0.195
I 0.195 (250 + 400) 123 = 219,024 cm4/m
For a hollow core slab with = 1.20 m we have
I' = 219,024 1.20 = 262,829 cm4
I * = 315,000 cm4 It is the next highest manufacturer's tabulated value for
b = 1.20 m (see Table 2.4 in Chapter 2) to which corresponds the depth of
the floor h = 35 cm without topping.
5.3.4. Design rules for floors laid in continuity or with fixed ends
Static and geometric pre-dimensioning of a hollow core floor with fixed ends
or laid in continuity is greatly facilitated by keeping in mind the suggestions
contained in Table 5.2 below. It appears in F.I.B. Bulletin no. 6 and has the
advantage of proposing values that are appropriate both in the case of a hollow core slab supported by the bearing structure and those of clear span and
thus indirectly supported by the bearing structure.
The values recommended in Table 5.2 are valid for floors with uniformly distributed loads on the order of 4.0 8.0 kN/m2 overall, including both permanent and variable loads, and thus for most common floors.
The ordinary reinforcement for use at the fixed ends on the supports is dimensioned on the basis of the values of shear V [kN] and negative moment
M' [kNm] at S.L.S. (Serviceability Limit State).
5.3.
177
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
Table 5.2.
PREDIMENSIONING OF A
HOLLOW CORE FLOOR
WITH A CONTINUITY
RESTRAINT OR FIXED ENDS
FLOOR SUPPORTED
BY THE BEARING
STRUCTURE
CLEAR SPAN FLOOR

WITHOUT DIRECT
SUPPORT BY THE
BEARING STRUCTURE
3540
3035
Minimum total thickness of

vertical webs for a slab 120 cm
wide
bw
No limitation
380420 mm
Maximum number of 0.5

strands for each web
no.
2-3
Number of open cores

at slab ends including the
longitudinal join, for insertion
of continuity reinforcement.
no.
for lc 6.0 m
no.
for 6.0 < lc 10.0 m
no.
for 10.0 < lc
2-3
3
3- 4
3
3-4
4
Slenderness of floor:
span/depth ratio
lc/h
Length of upper reinforcement

for negative moment
for lc 6.0 m
for
ls
1 rod in the join
1.4 m
other rods in the open cores
ls 1.0 m.
1 rod in the join

ls 1.4 m
ls 1.0 m.
1 rod in the join
1 rod in the join

ls =0.20 0.25 lc
ls 1.2 1.5 m
ls
lc > 6.0 m
ls =0.20 0.25 lc
ls 1.2 1.5 m
Upper reinforcement for

negative moment
Total section per slab
As As =5000 M/h [mm2]
Maximum diameter
max max 6+h/25 [mm]
As =5000 M/h [mm2]

max 6+h/25 [mm]
Lower reinforcement
Total section per slab
Maximum diameter
As =5 V [mm2]
max 4+h/25 [mm]
Number & length of cores

at slab ends, without
reinforcement, to be filled
in situ
178
Normally none
As
max
(the Italian Building Standard

Chapter 7 prescribes in all cases
lower reinforcement suitably
anchored capable of supporting
tension equal to shear)
Normally none
All the rest
ln =300-400 mm
ln
5.3.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
5.3.5. Design of the concrete topping

The reinforced concrete topping is usually not necessary with a hollow core
floor in residential buildings and in service buildings having normal loads on
the order of 4.08.0 kN/m2.
In fact, the usual peripheral tie rods and their connections to each single slab
give the floor adequate diaphragm behaviour even without the presence of
the topping cast in situ.
Moreover, the closed box structure of the slab section and the cylindrical
hinge conformation of the longitudinal join between slab and slab give the
floor a noteworthy capacity to distribute concentrated loads even without
topping, as illustrated in paragraph 5.4.
In any case, as pointed out in paragraph 3.4 above, the concrete topping improves the overall rigidity of the floor, its load-bearing capacity and, if properly reinforced, its capacity for transverse distribution of concentrated loads.
It also perceptibly increases the plate or diaphragm behaviour of the floors and
the division of the buildings into compartments in case of fire. Furthermore,
an increase in the capacity to oppose horizontal transverse forces on floors
transmitted by earth-retaining walls in the case of underground buildings has
been found.
For this reason, a reinforced corroborant topping having the thicknesses indicated in Table 5.3 may be recommended, necessary or even made obligatory in the situations detailed in the same table.
The concrete class with which the topping is cast will be decided on the basis of the degree of exposure to aggressive environments as indicated in Tables 2.2 and 2.3 in Chapter 2.
When a corroborant topping is prescribed, it is necessary to indicate the chosen thickness clearly in project drawings. It shall be the measurable minimum, usually at midpoint of the floor (where camber due to prestressing is
5.3.
179
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
greatest). It must be kept in mind that in the zones of support the thickness of
the topping will be greater because it will be equal to the prescribed minimum thickness increased by the amount of camber (see Fig. 5.14 below).
When a reinforced corroborant topping is prescribed, the peripheral tie rods
mentioned in paragraph 4.1 can easily be positioned in correspondence to the
perimeter of the floor and in the thickness of the topping, even when edge
beams are lacking, as shown in Figures 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5 in Chapter 4.
Table 5.3.
THE CORROBORANT
TOPPING ON HOLLOW
CORE SLABS WITH
DEPTH UP TO 40 cm (1)
CONCRETE
TOPPING
STANDARD
THICKNESS
OF TOPPING
Floor with variable overload

of 8.0 12 kN/m2
or concentrated > 8 kN
recommended
5 8 cm
wire reinforcement 5
mesh 1515 cm
Floor with variable overload

of 12 20 kN/m2
or concentrated > 12 kN
necessary
6 10 cm
mesh 2020 cm
Floor with road overload

of 1 and 2 Categories
obligatory
12 20 cm
Floor in seismic zone
necessary
4 5 cm
mesh 1515 cm
Floor with fire resistance (2)

REI 60 120 minutes
recommended
4 5 cm (2)
mesh 1515 cm
Floor with fire resistance (2)

REI 180 240 minutes
necessary
5 8 cm (2)
mesh 1515 cm
Floor acting as a diaphragm

in a prefabricated structure
recommended
5 8 cm
mesh 1515 cm
STANDARD
REINFORCEMENT
mesh 20 cm upper + 12
mesh 20 cm lower
Note (1) When the hollow core slabs are 50 80 cm high, the standard thicknesses of the topping must be increased by a minimum of 3 4 cm.
Note (2) According to Italian Regulation UNI 9502, integrity E is assured in case of fire when a topping reinforced with at least a wire 5 mm, 20 20 cm mesh resistance welded having a minimum thickness of
s = 4 cm: up to 60 minutes and s= 5 cm: for 90 minutes and more.
180
5.3.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
5.4. Transverse load distribution
In Chapter 3 (paragraph 3.3) we discussed the importance of the longitudinal

join between slab and slab for the good static functioning of the floor and especially for the lateral transfer of vertical forces.
The characteristic shape of this longitudinal join can function as a cylindrical hinge and thus favour the transverse distribution of concentrated loads,
but only when lateral shifting between slab and slab is avoided.
If not, there can be no load redistribution and each slab must be dimensioned
to support 100% of the load applied.
It is thus necessary to be particularly careful in designing floor perimeter tie
rods or the consistency of the structure surrounding the floor.
Another reason for strengthening the tie rods is the fact that the pure cylindrical hinge can be theorized only in presence of very thin hollow core slabs.
In reality, the significant depth of hollow core slabs normally used today
causes all transverse deflection upwards or downwards of a longitudinal join
subjected to the vertical action of a concentrated load to be strongly opposed
by the horizontal reactions generated between the upper or lower edges of the
two adjacent slabs.
By opposing one another, the longitudinal edges of the slabs hinder the free
deflection of the join loaded vertically, especially when lateral shifting is inhibited.
Such transverse deflections almost inhibited by the large depth of the slabs
explain the typical plate-like behaviour of hollow core floors in service,
which always comes as a pleasant surprise to inspectors when examining the
effective deformations of the floor under test loads.
In all cases they find these deformations halved compared to preliminary
theoretical calculations.
5.4
181
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
This favourable plate effect is still little-known since it is not easy to verify
through laboratory tests, while the study by means of calculated modelling at
finited elements is less problematic.
Linear loads
on edge line at centre line
loading percentage (%)
60
Solid line = load on edge

Dashed line = central load
50
40
30
20
3
2 = 4
1 = 5
10
4
5
4
10
12
14
span (l) in m
Fig. 5.4 Transverse distribution factors for linear loads

Point central
2
4
5
x = 12 l
40
30
Point load at the edges
50
2 = 4
20
1 = 5
10
10
12
14
load
40
30
20
10
3
4
5
4
span (l) in m
Fig. 5.5. Transverse distribution

factors of point loads
at central line
182
x = 12 l
10
12
14
span (l) in m
Fig. 5.6. Transverse distribution

factors of point loads
at the edges
5.4
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Fig. 5.7. Distribution of shear forces in the longitudinal join

a) Point load at
the midpoint
of the slab
b) Point load
between
support and
midpoint
c) Linear
load at the
midpoint of
the slab
d) Linear
load not at
the midpoint
of the slab
The European Standard EN 1168, as well as CNR 10025/98 Instructions,

supply the graphs shown above (see Figs. 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 and 5.7) by means of
which it is possible to evaluate the percentages of load that are transversely
distributed, taking into account the following explanations.
a) Figs 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6 show the percentages of load on each hollow core
slab in presence of concentrated loads on the floor in the central or
edge position and are valid for hollow core slabs having width
b = 1200 mm. A load is considered central when it is at least 3 m from
the free edge. In intermediate cases it is necessary to interpolate between central and edge load values.
b) The linear loads considered in Fig. 5.4 must be longer than
lc/2.
If
they are shorter, they are to be considered linear loads if the centre of the
load is at the midpoint of the floor span. Otherwise they are to be considered concentrated loads at the centre of the load if the centre is not at
the midpoint of the floor span.
c)
In Figs 5.5 and 5.6 we find the percentage of load for central and
edge concentrated loads weighing on the midpoint of the floor
(lc/x = 2). For loads near the support (lc/x 20) the percentage relative
5.4
183
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
to the slab under the load is 100%, while it is 0% for the one adjacent to
it. For intermediate lc/x values between 2 and 20, the percentage can be
found by linear interpolation.
d) At the ULS of floors without reinforced concrete topping the percentage
determined using the graphs concerning the slab under the load is to be
multiplied by the coefficient M = 1.25. The sum of the percentages
supported by the adjacent slabs may be reduced by the same amount, in
proportion to the percentages.
e)
The shear forces acting within the longitudinal join can be found from
the load percentages and are to be considered distributed linearly. For
concentrated loads and linear loads to be considered as concentrated, in
accordance with point b) above, the effective length of the join to be
considered for the transmission of shear forces is equal to twice the distance to the centre of the load from the nearest support (see Fig. 5.7).
f)
On the basis of the load percentage found in the graphs, it is possible to

determine the torsional moments for each slab. When lateral shifting of
slabs is inhibited, the calculated torsional moments can be reduced by
50% for reasons given concerning the plate effect.
g) In any case, linear loads (partition walls for example) parallel to the floor
frame and not amounting to more than 5 kN/m can be calculated as loads
distributed uniformly over a width equal to one fourth of the span measured on both sides of the load, or distributed over the available strip if
the load is less than 1/4 lc from the free edge.
184
5.4
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
5.5. Design of fire resistance

5.5.1. General considerations and calculations
Fire resistance REI XY of a floor defines its capacity, at the Ultimate Limit
State and for a normalized fire, to maintain for time XY load R in its own
weight + permanent loads + a given amount for variable loads, integrity E
to prevent burning gas escape to upper floor, thermal insulation I so that
the fire does not spread to the unexposed face, which must not reach a temperature of more than 140C above the initial temperature.
Structural fire resistance R, integrity E and thermal insulation I of a hollow core slab can be determined experimentally in official tests performed by
placing a pair of hollow core slabs under loads causing deflecting moments
and shear stresses greater than or equal to design values in special ovens
complying with regulations.
The sizes of such ovens are in any case too small to reliably represent the real behaviour of a floor under a load and exposed to fire.
These ovens are, however, quite useful in the experimental and certified determination of temperatures recorded progressively at all critical points of
one or more hollow core slabs submitted to fire for the necessary time.
This recording procedure is known as thermal mapping.
Besides the experimental method described above, there are also tables for the
determination of fire resistance R and thermal insulation I by means of limit
values for the depth of the floor and the concrete cover of prestressing steels.
Such limit values tend to ensure the resistance class of a floor in a rather simplified manner.
Smoke seal E is also more simply guaranteed by adopting certain building
techniques such as the casting of a reinforced corroborant topping or the
proper sealing of longitudinal joins.
5.5.
185
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
When the tabulated method worked out for solid slabs is applied to the specific morphology of the hollow core floor to determine fire resistance R, it is
not considered officially acceptable, either in Italy or in the rest of Europe.
Thus for this determination it is necessary to resort to different, more or less
simplified, methods of analytical calculation.
Such methods of calculation normally follow those applied in verifying the
cold section at the Ultimate Limit State (ULS) adopting reduced sections or
reduced materials characteristics on the basis of temperatures reached under
the fire load.
Thermal mapping of the particular hollow core slab being examined is the
ground for all methods of analytical calculation. When a detailed experimental thermal map is unavailable, it must be constructed analytically with
the aid of software that elaborates the specific formulations dictated by regulations.
42 mm
bwi = 42 mm
c = 50 mm
bw = 324C
s = 392C
Kct() = 0.58
45 mm
Kp() = 0.51
Fig. 5.8. Example of thermal mapping at 120 minutes of a hollow core slab
h = 240 mm with strand 45 mm from the intrados and with 2% humidity
186
5.5.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
In Italy, for the analytical determination of fire resistance R, only the UNI
9502 standard dated May 2001, which is closely correlated with the European standard pr EN 1992-1-2, is accepted.
For verification of the ULS for fire, in accordance with the UNI 9205 standard, the partial safety coefficients are:
for permanent loads
G = 1.0
for variable loads
= 0.5 (wind, snow, homes,

offices, attics)
= 0.7 (shops, crowded halls, car parks)
= 0.8 (balconies, stairs, chimneys)
= 0.9 (archives, libraries, warehouses)
for concrete
c = 1.2
for steel
s = 1.0
The characteristics of materials at high temperatures at the Fire Limit State

are given in the standards mentioned above; as concerns steel tensile strength
and concrete tensile and compression strength, calculated values decrease
with an increase in temperature, as can be seen in Figs. 5.9 and 5.10.
1.0
1.0
0.8
0.8
0.6
Kc()
Kct()
0.6
0.4
0.4
0.2
0.2
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
temperature in C
Fig. 5.9. Variation in the characteristic strength of concrete

with variations in temperature
5.5.
Kb()
Ks1()
Ks2()
Kp()
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
temperature in C
Fig. 5.10 Variation in the characteristic strength of prestressing steel with increases
in temperature
187
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
5.5.2. The tabulated data method

The provisory predimensioning of a hollow core floor for a certain resistance
to fire can be defined by using the following table taken from the European
Product Standard pr EN 1168, in which the minimum depths of the hollow
core slab and the cover of prestressing reinforcement are prescribed.
Since the table is taken from a standard that is not yet official, it is clear that
Table 5.4 below must be used exclusively for provisory predimensioning,
leaving to analytical verification the task of better defining the design of the
floors fire resistance.
Table 5.4.
HOLLOW CORE FLOOR FIRE RESISTANCE
Guaranteed fire resistance
[minutes]
R30
R60
R90
R120
R180
Minimum depth of floor
[mm]
100
120
140
160
200
Nominal distance of strand axis

from surface exposed to fire
[mm]
20
30
40
50
65
Mortar, plaster, insulating coats and other lining materials can be taken into
consideration in addition to concrete covering as effective protection of the
reinforcement, according to the indications given in regulations.
5.5.3. Analytical methods

On the basis of specific thermal mapping of the sections of the hollow core
floor, whether found experimentally or elaborated with appropriate programs
with the introduction of the parameters and characteristics of materials in accordance with reference standards UNI 9502 and pr. EN 1992-1-2, it is possible to calculate the U.L.S. of the section for shear and moment on the basis
188
5.5.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
of the effective strengths of the concrete and steel, using the simplified
method of reduced sections, and introducing the partial safety coefficients
called for in the regulations.
temperature in C
For determination of the thermal map under a fire load, Standard UNI 9502
hypothesizes a humidity content of 50 kg/m3 of concrete (2% by weight).
Figure 5.11 shows the temperature trend as a function of distance from the
intrados for different exposure times.
Exposure time
[minutes]
distance c in mm
Fig. 5.11 Mean temperature values in the webs of hollow core slabs
h = 200 400 mm as a function of distance from the intrados
By introducing the appropriate reduced sections of concrete and steel, on the
basis of the expected temperature for the class of design exposure and the distance from the surface exposed to fire, it is possible to proceed with calculation of the ultimate resistance capacity for moment M Rd and shear VRd and
compare it with acting stresses MSd and VSd, as in the cold calculation.
In calculating resistance to shear it is necessary to take into account the reduced value (kct () fctk) of tensile strength of the prefabricated concrete, at
temperature of the web in the zone of attachment to the lower surface so
that the value bw kct () is minimum.
5.5.
189
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
It is necessary to pay attention that distance d between reinforcing bar and

compressed flange corresponds to the distance between the extrados flange
and the lower shear reinforcement in the case of simply supported floors, or
to the distance between reinforcement for negative moment and the intrados
flange in the case of floors with fixed end at the support.
In the case of floors in continuity, or even with partial fixed end at the
support, it is necessary to check the section at support for negative
moment at the U.L.S. and for the corresponding shear value at the U.L.S.,
taking into account the tension bar at the extrados and the compressed
flange at the intrados, reduced due to exposure to fire and also subject to
prestressing.
It is well to keep in mind that high negative moments in presence of strong
prestressing may sharply reduce the resistance to fire of hollow core floors,
thus leading to premature failure due to compression of the concrete of the
intrados exposed to fire.
Example of calculation 5.3

Verification of a hollow core floor, h = 240 mm, for a car park, with a reinforced concrete corroborant topping having thickness s = 6 cm with surface finishing of 2 cm for the formation of the pavement.
190
Calculated span
8.40 m
(with simple support)
Dead load (h = 240 + 60 mm)
5.00 kN / m2
Permanent overloads
0.50 kN / m2
Variable overloads
3.50 kN / m2
Fire resistance
REI 120
5.5.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Figure 5.12 shows the characteristics of the section and the reinforcement of
the hollow core slab:
240
60
wire 5 mm mesh 150x150 mm

35 mm
n. 4 strands 33
45 mm
45 mm
n. 10 strands 3/8 + 310 mm
(shear reinforc.)
b = 1200 mm
Fig. 5.12 Cross section at the support of hollow core floor h = 240 mm
with concrete topping 60 mm thick
For fire verification up to 120 minutes, reference is made to the map in
Fig. 5.8 and the safety coefficients for verification under fire are in compliance with Standard 9502/2001.
strand temperature
= 392C
from which
Kp = 0.51
web temperature
bw = 324C
from which
Kct = 0.58
acc = 0.7 (car park)
c = 1.2
s = 1.0
= 1
Therefore, to verify maximum positive moment at the centre line and shear
at the support at U.L.S. for fire, the following design values are calculated:
Msd 120 = (G i G + Q ) 1.2
Vsd 120 = (G i G + Q ) 1.2
Ap = 10 52 mm2
lc / 8
lc / 2
2
= 84.14 kNm (per slab)

=
37.55 kN (per slab)
(corresponding to 10 strands 3/8)
Since Kp = 0.51 is the area of efficacy of the lower prestressing reinforcement, in case of fire we have:
10 52 Kp = 265.2 mm2 (corresponding to reinforcement reduced
from 10 to 5.1 strands 3/8).
Going back to the usual calculation of failure with this reduced reinforcement, the moment of resistance is calculated:
5.5.
191
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
Mrd 120 = 104.34 kNm

Since
Mrd 120 = 104.34 > Msd 120 = 84.14 kNm
the floor is verified for the positive moment after 120 minutes in case of fire.
For verification of shear at the support after 120, the formula must be applied at the Limit States
Vrd =
[0.25
fctk,
k (1.2 + 40 ) + 0.15 cpm ] bw d
c
since
fctk,
= fctk0.05 kct() = 2.66 0.58 = 1.54 N/mm2
= 1.2
= 300 45 = 255 mm
= 1.6 d [m] = 1.6 0.255 = 1.345
bw
= 10 42 = 420 mm
(in this example exceptionally we

may neglect the thicknesses of the
two open cores and the join at the
support)
cpm
= 0
(in favour of safety)
= 392C
(temperature of the lower shear

reinforcement bar)
Ks ()
= 0.89
(efficacy factor for reinforcing bar

at 392C)
As
= (3 10 mm) Ks () = 236 0.89 = 210 mm2
= As / bw d = 210 / 420 255 = 0.00196
(distance between extrados flange

and lower shear reinforcement bar)
Vrd,120 = 59.52 > Vsd,120 = 37.55 kN

The floor is also checked for shear and is therefore verified for fire resistance
R 120 minutes.
Since a reinforced topping 6 cm thick is called for, verification of integrity
criterion E can be considered satisfied (see UNI 9502, point 7.2.2.).
192
5.5.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Based on thermal mapping, the temperature of the extrados is found to be

even lower than 50C and therefore verification of the insulation criterion I
can be considered satisfied (also on the basis of Table 5 of UNI 9502, point
7.2.1.).
Therefore the manufacturer can declare that the floor in question has been
verified for fire resistance REI 120.
5.6. Diaphragm behaviour
As is required for all kinds of floor system, floors composed of hollow core
slabs can also be called upon to assume diaphragm behaviour for the transfer
of horizontal forces (wind, earthquakes and so on) to the vertical windbracing elements present in the structure.
This kind of behaviour is guaranteed when the floor possesses sufficient
rigidity in its own plane to conserve intact its original geometry up to the
U.L.S..
This requires verification of precise applicative conditions:
a) Verification of the entire floor is performed taking into account realistic
hypotheses concerning the deformability of windbraces, prefabricated
elements and ties.
b) Each slab possesses connections and the entire floor is provided with a
tying system such as to guarantee the transmission of horizontal forces
performing as an arch-tie mechanism.
c)
The complex of ties is capable of supporting all traction forces generated by the in plane actions (flexures, shear and traction). As concerns the
amount of such ties, reference is made to the caption of Fig. 4.1 in paragraph 4.1.
5.6.
Diaphragm behaviour
193
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
5.6.1. Model for diaphragm calculation

The fundamental model for diaphragm calculation is that of the deep beam
illustrated in Fig. 5.13, comparable to an arch and tie structure for which it is
admitted that the compression trajectories tend to shift towards the lower
supports, while those of traction concentrate in the lower part.
The diffusion of transverse compressions along the longitudinal joins improves their capacity to resist longitudinal shear forces.
For a simplified evaluation of the amount of stresses in play, we can place
(with reference to Fig. 5.13):
l /8
qw l /2
Mmax = qw
Vmax =
Nmax = M/H
having placed H = 0.8 l 2 as the inner arm of the forces N and T.
The assembly of hollow core slabs by means of the casting of joins means
that the shear parallel to the longitudinal joins is transmitted from one element to another through the concrete cast in situ.
As concerns the trends of the shear diaphragm, the join immediately adjacent
to the edge of the floor is the one most subject to shear stresses.
Vmax = (1 2 x / l 2) Vmax
Translating the equation into the design shear force we have
Vsd
= F Vmax
and the following condition must be satisfied:

Vsd Vrd
194
5.6.
Diaphragm behaviour
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Compression
forces
s
ce
for
l
nta
rizo
o
H
Traction forces
Bearing beam
Horizontal forces
qw
Edge slab connected

to the edge beam
Join most subject
to shear
stresses
Edge beam
Arch
and tie
structure
l2
T
Bearing
beam
l1
Mmax
Vmax
x
Vmax
Nmax
Fig. 5.13 A diaphragm behaviour of the hollow core floor with an illustration of verification methods
5.6.
Diaphragm behaviour
195
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
The resistance of longitudinal joins on the plane of shear forces for surfaces
obtained with vibrofinishing machines or by extrusion without special treatment is limited to
VRd
Rdj
Acj
where:
Rdj
Acj
= mean resistance to horizontal shear at the ULS which, in longitudinal joins filled with concrete, must be limited to 0.1 N/mm2 lacking vertical indentation on the two lateral profiles of the slab.
= area of efficacy of concrete in transmitting shear stress.
The diaphragm behaviour of the floor is essential for the stability of a multistorey building subject to horizontal forces, not only in seismic zones but also for wind or other occasional actions or vertical misalignment.
The prescription of a corroborant concrete topping suitably reinforced with
a resistance welded net and perimetric tie rods in most cases solves all problems connected with verification of structural stability as for all types of
floors.
5.7. Calculation of deformations

Prestressing with the strand barycentre almost always below the kern of inertia generates in hollow core slabs a more or less accentuated upward deflection known as camber.
This initial rise, which is typical of the installed hollow core floor, varies in
time because of long-term deformations on the basis of some well-defined
parameters, such as floor span and static restraints, under the action of dead
weight, permanent loads, long-lasting overloads and prestressing characteristics.
196
5.7.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Such long-term deformations are a function of rheological and environmental parameters which by their nature vary with time and are definable only
with a certain approximation.
The fluage of the different concretes making up the floor, the modulus of
elasticity that varies, the shrinking, relative humidity and ambient temperature, as well as the loss of prestressing are the main factors causing long-term
deformations.
The predetermination of initial camber is rather risky in that it depends on
many environmental factors, the technologies and the manufacturing
process, which all influence the rheological characteristics and the value of
the modulus of elasticity. Camber is influenced by the concrete hardening development, which may be natural and thus dependent on environment temperature and humidity.
If hardening is accelerated by heat treatment, camber depends on the thermal
cycle which also influences the modulus of elasticity and the shrinkage and
viscosity coefficients.
The phase during which the slab is stored in the open prior to installation,
with widely varying atmospheric conditions such as sunlight, shade, heat,
cold, dryness and dampness has a strong influence on the camber value (and
also on the modulus of elasticity and the coefficients of shrinkage and viscosity, and thus on the degree of long-term deformations).
It is therefore inevitable that the camber value, when required and supplied,
will have to be considered an average and theoretical value which may admit
tolerances of 0.1 0.2% of the length of the slab. In any case, it is to be
considered normal when 5 10% of the slabs present camber values outside
the tolerances indicated above.
Any correction of defects in camber between adjacent hollow core slabs in a
floor can be made prior to casting in situ by following the instructions given
in paragraph 2.3.8.
Elastic deflection during testing by service loads could instead be calculated
with greater accuracy since it is a function of the real conditions of restraint
and transverse distribution of concentrated loads.
However, this test normally produces values lower than theoretical ones since
the plate behaviour almost always gives to the hollow core floor real stiffness
greater than theoretical one (see paragraph 5.4).
5.7.
197
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
Only testing a single isostatic slab leads to real elastic deflection values close
to theoretical ones, since the error is univocally connected to the effective
value of the modulus of elasticity of the concrete, the uncertainty of which is
usually plus or minus 10%.
5.7.1. Applications and practical references

Although with the necessary approximations, it is sometimes important to be
able to determine the value of initial camber when it is necessary to define the
minimum and maximum thicknesses of the topping to be cast in situ on the
hollow core slabs.
In fact, the topping increases in thickness starting from the centre line of the
floor and going towards the supports. Thus the amount of concrete needed for
the in situ casting increases (see Fig. 5.14).
In these cases it is necessary to predetermine the camber so as to be able to
define with a certain accuracy the heights between floors when the total
height of the building is strictly limited.
Smin
Smax
Fig. 5.14 The minimum height between floors must be measured at the
supports of the hollow core floor.
198
5.7.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Quite often, in order to obtain good flatness of the intrados of a hollow core
floor it is indispensable to know beforehand the degree of camber so as to be
able to arrive at a correct determination of the levels at which to install rather
short hollow core slabs adjacent to much longer ones (see Fig. 5.15).
Fig. 5.15 To avoid ugly differences in flatness between adjacent slabs A

and B, it is necessary to superelevate the intermediate support
- 2 with respect to the supports of extremities - 1 - and - 3 -.
It may be important to evaluate long-term deformations as well, since they

modify the initial camber of the hollow core floor subjected to almost permanent loads (dead load + permanent loads + long-term variable loads).
Indeed, long-term deformations may lead to serious problems of detachment
of pavements and possibly even of the finish on the intrados.
5.7.
199
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
Table 5.5.
TIMES &
CHARACTERISTICS
t0
t1
DESCRIPTION
TYPICAL MEAN VALUES
Time elapsed between casting and t0 = 1216 h from casting (with accelerelease of prestressing tendons (that is,
rated hardening)
the cutting of slabs)
t0 = 2448 h from casting (with natural
hardening)
Time elapsed between casting of slab t 1 = 0,52 months approx.
and final castings following installation
t2
Time elapsed between casting of slabs t 2 = 36 months on average

and application of permanent and variable loads
Time required for evaluation of long- t = 510 years (after which viscous
term phenomena
phenomena can be considered finished)
Initial camber at time of storing
from 0 to
Camber immediately after installation
from 0 to
Long-term variation in camber due to the l 2 /500

quasi - permanent combination of loads
Instantaneous elastic sag due to the rare l 2 /1000

combination of loads
l
lp
Length of slab
Span for calculating the effects of prestressing
l p l 1000 [mm]
l0
l1
Span between supports during storage
l0 lp
Design span during installation

(1st phase)
Net span of slab during installation
l2
Design span after installation

(2nd phase)
Design span of the floor after in situ

castings
Coefficient of static restraint for calcu- n = 5 for simple support

lation of deformations
n = 2.5 3 for the 1st edge floor
n = 1 2 for intermediate floors
I, I1
l /200
l /300
Moment of inertia of single precast slab, See project data

and with corroborant in situ castings
after installation
e, e1 Prestressing eccentricity in precast See project data

slabs, and with corroborant in situ
castings after installation
G, G1 Dead load of precast slab, and of the See project data
floor in presence of corroborant in situ
castings
Qperm Permanent overloads
See project data
Qvar Variable overloads
See project data
Q
200
Variable long-term overloads
See project data
5.7.
Chapter 5
continuation of
TIMES &
CHARACTERISTICS
Ap
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Table 5.5.
DESCRIPTION
Area of prestressing reinforcement
TYPICAL MEAN VALUES
See design data
Tension of prestressing reinforcement

P0
P1
P
- at the moment of release

- at time t1
- at time t
P 0 = 1200 1250 MPa

P1 = 1150 1200 MPa
P = 1050 1150 MPa
E0 lower Modulus of elasticity at lower flange of Vibrofinishing with natural hardening.

slab at the moment of release
E0 low/up = 2022000/1921000 MPa
E0 upper Modulus of elasticity at upper flange at
Vibrofinishing with accelerated hardethe moment of release
ning.
They depend on the manufacturing E0 low/up = 1719000 / 1820000 MPa
system and the hardening process.
Temperatures in the slab during heat Extrusion with natural hardening.
treatment are approximately 65 70C E 0 lower = E 0 upper = 2123000 MPa
at the lower flange while they go down
by approximately 10 15C at the upper Extrusion with accelerated hardening.
flange, with a consequent higher value E0 low/up = 1820000 / 1921000 MPa
for the modulus of elasticity
E1, E2 Modulus of elasticity at time t1, t2
E1= E2 = 30000 33000 MPa
(t) Coefficient of development of viscous
effects in time.
(t 0)
(15 days)
(1 month)
(2 months)
(3 months)
(6 months)
(1 year)
(3 years)
(10 years)
(t)
(t, t0) Concrete viscosity coefficient between (t , t0)
time t and time t0

(t , t2 = 6 months)
(t , t1 = 1 month)
(t1 = 1 month, t 0)
(t, t0) = (t , t0) [ (t) (t0)]
0.1
0.3
0.4
0.5
0. 6
0.7
0.8
0.9
0.95
1
2.5 (between 2.2
and 3.0)
0.3 2.5 0.75
0.6 2.5 1.50
0.3 2.5 0.75
(t, t0) Shrinkage coefficient at time t compa- (t , 0) 0.0003

(t 0, 0) 0.5 (t ,0)
red to time t = 0 of casting
(t , t0) 0.5 (t ,0)
5.7.
Prefabricated concrete aging coefficient = 0.8

to take into account the increase in
modulus of elasticity at infinity.
201
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
They may modify the slopes in flat covers (see Fig. 5.16) with serious damage caused by the runoff of water or may compromise the stability of internal
partition walls.
They may also cause malfunctioning of outside and inside doors and window
frames.
The evaluation of such deformations is all the more important the greater the
span and slenderness and the ratio between permanent and variable loads.
To minimize these problems, the designer should abide by the quite valid criteria shown in paragraph 3.2 when deciding on the depth of the floor.
Initial situation
Final situation
Fig. 5.16 The slopes of the cover must be assured even after the deformations at infinite time. The latter may even compromise the stability of partition walls.
In predetermining short- and long-term deformations as correctly as possible, it is necessary to know and evaluate as accurately as possible the structural, static and rheological characteristics as well as the times of application
of loads.
Table 5.5 above shows the mean values of these characteristics to be found
for the different typologies and production methods, and which manufacturers can determine as a function of the characteristics of their own production
cycles by means of simple experimental findings.
202
5.7.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
5.7.2. Initial camber 0 at time t0

Having determined the geometric characteristics of the slab, its prestressing
and concrete rheological parameters, it is possible to calculate the initial
camber on storage through the formula:
0 = 0,p + 0,G
(see Fig. 5.17)
with:
0,p =
Ap P0 e
lp
the initial camber caused by prestressing
8 E0, inf I
and
5
384
0,G =
Gl4
E0, sup I
sagging caused by the dead load of the

slab supported at the extremities
where (see Table 5.5):

Ap
area of prestressing reinforcement
Po
stress in prestressing reinforcement at time of release.
eccentricity of reinforcement compared to the neutral axis of

the hollow core slab
lp
l
span for calculating the effects of prestressing
length of slab
Eo,lower =
modulus of elasticity of concrete at the lower flange of the slab

at the time of release
Eo,upper =
modulus of elasticity of concrete in the at the upper flange of

the slab at the time of release
moment of inertia of the slab
dead load
5.7.
203
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
0,p
G
0,p
0,G
0
Fig. 5.17 Initial camber 0 on removal from casting bed
The most usual convention for the sign to adopt for camber attributes a negative value to it when it is above the horizontal.
Therefore the sign of the eccentricity of reinforcement is negative when the
barycentre is below the neutral axis of the section and determines an upward
deflection.
Every single producer, on the basis of simple statistical findings during production, can experimentally verify the values of Eo,lower and Eo,upper,
which vary slightly between summer and winter, check the effective losses
of prestressing during the initial phase and can thus find tension Po with a
certain accuracy.
204
5.7.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
5.7.3. Camber 1 after installation at time t1

At time t1 the hollow core slab is considered installed, simply supported and
finished with additional casts as indicated in plans.
During the storage period initial camber o has changed due to the effect of
viscous phenomena depending on the time elapsed between removal from
bed and installation, on the environmental conditions to which the slab has
been exposed, such as temperature and relative humidity, and on the greater
amount of sunlight on one side of the slab compared to the other, on prestressing, dead load and the static conditions of storage.
Camber 1 of the installed slab is obtained by adding rise 1,p due to prestressing, deflection 1,G+G1 due to dead load G and the finishing castings
G1 and viscous effects 1,G due to the action of dead load during storage
between t0 and moment t1 (see Fig. 5.18).
1 = 1,p + 1,G+G1 + 1,G
with:
1,p = initial camber due to prestressing 0,p modified by viscous effects
and reduced by steel relaxation at time t1
1,G+G1 = sag after installation due to dead load and in situ castings
1,G+G1 =
1,G = variation of initial sag due to dead load under viscous effects during
storage up to time t1
where Ap, I, G and G1 refer to the modular width of the hollow core slab
5.7.
205
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
and where the geometric characteristics to be considered refer to the prefabricated slab only, since the additional castings are not yet corroborant in this
phase.
The symbols used have the same meanings as in Table 5.5.
1,p
1,G
G
G1
1,p
1, G
1,G + G1
1
Fig. 5.18 Camber after installation 1 at time t1.
206
5.7.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
5.7.4. In-service and long-term deformations

The typical deformation of the floor in service is the instantaneous elastic deflection e under the action of the rare combination of loads.
This elastic sag e is cited in Italian regulations, which limit its value to a
maximum of 1/1000 of the span and is the one that is verifiable during final
testing in service.
Elastic sag e caused by the contemporary action of permanent and variable loads (corresponding to the rare combination of loads), can be found in
the following way:
In the expressions above it is necessary to consider that:
I1, Qperm and Qvar refer to the modular width of the slab,
the geometric characteristics refer to the prefabricated slab completed

with the corroborant castings,
coefficient n = 15 depends on the restraint hypothesized at the

ends of the slab,
with the symbols meaning what they mean in Table 5.5.

Long-term deformation corresponds to the incremental sag at infinity
of the floor compared to the initial situation in service found previously with
camber 1.
The variation of deformation is originated by the viscous effects of prestressing between time t1 and time t , by the viscous effects of the dead load
and the additional castings between time t1 and time t2 of the application
of loads, permanent and long-term variable overloads and by the viscous effects of all loads acting between time t2 and time t .
5.7.
207
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
Deformation at infinity, evaluated on the basis of the characteristics of the

floor with the additional corroborant cast in situ concrete, is also closely correlated with the degree of restraint that is created between slabs and bearing
structures or adjacent elements (simple support, half-joint, full joint).
When the limits of the ratio between span and depth of the slab imposed by
the Italian Code are deviated from, it is the value of that must be contained within 1/500 of l..
The values of calculated with the formula proposed herein are to be
considered mean theoretical values to which it is opportune to apply a tolerance of at least 0.1 0.2% of l .
In the next Figure 5.19 following notations are to be considerated:
= span of the installed simply supported hollow core slab
l2
= calculated span in the 2nd phase as a function of effective

restraints created
= camber in service at time t1
, p
= viscous and relaxation effects of prestressing from time t1

to infinity
2, G+G1
= viscous effects of slab weight + casts from time t1 to

time t2 of application of loads.
2,Qperm + Q = elastic sag for permanent and long-term variable loads

, G+Q
208
= viscous effects of permanent and long-term variable loads

from time t2 to infinity
5.7.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
G
G1
, p
1
, p
2, G + G1
1
2
Q perm.
Q
, p
2, G + G1
2,Q + Q
, G + Q
1 -
perm.
Fig. 5.19 Deformation at infinite time of a hollow core floor of span

l, compared to the initial camber 1 once installed, in presence of all permanent and long-term variable loads (quasi - permanent load condition), with the real conditions of restraint in
service and the corresponding calculated span l2 .
5.7.
209
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
The variation of camber at infinite time , compared to initial condition 1

(camber in situ with castings at time t1) is due to the sum of the following
terms (see Fig. 5.19):
where
, p
= viscous effects and relaxation of prestressing between time

t1 of installation and final time t
2,G+G1
= viscous effects of dead load and corroborant casts from

time t1 of installation up to time t2 of application of live
loads.
2,Qperm + Q
= elastic sag for permanent and long-term variable loads
,G + Q
= viscous effects of all permanent loads, including dead load

and additional castings and long-term variable loads from
time t2 of application of live loads up to final infinite time t
In the expressions above it is necessary to consider that:

Ap, I, G , G1, Qperm and Q refer to the modular width of the slab,
210
5.7.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
the geometric characteristics refer to the prefabricated element

completed with the corroborant in situ concrete,
coefficient n = 15 depends on the restraint value hypothesized at the
ends of the slab.
The meaning of symbols is the same as in Table 5.5 above.
Example of calculation of deformation

Example 5.4
Calculation of initial camber in service and deformation at infinite time of the
hollow core floor illustrated in Example 4.1 (paragraph 4.4.4. Chapter 4)
that is a hollow core floor h = 300 mm in continuity on two bays, with net
span of 9.60 m and a final calculated span of 10.00 m.
Dead load of slabs
3.7 kN/m2
Weight of in situ casts
G1
0.3 kN/m2
Permanent overload
Qperm =
3.0 kN/m2
Variable overload
Qvar
5.0 kN/m2
Long-term variable load
0.3 5.0 = 1.5 kN/m2
Hypothesizing an office load
0.3
Coefficient of static restraint
n
= 2.5 (taking into account
the restraint resources at the extremities which are hardly ever merely simple supports)
The characteristics of the section of reinforcement are those indicated in

Fig. 5.20.
I
= 206,100 cm4
(2061 106mm4)
I1
= 212,000 cm4
(2120 106mm4)
5.7.
211
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
h=300 mm
35 mm
n 6 strands 33 + 418 mm
35 mm
n 8 strands 0.5" + 410 mm
b = 1200 mm
Q tot = 12.0 kN/m 2
Vsd
418 mm
Vsd
n = 300 mm
410 mm
n = 300 mm
/2=4.8 m
/2=4.8 m
Fig. 5.20 Calculation of deformations of a hollow core floor with

h = 300 mm
Let us consider a slab manufactured with vibrofinishing and accelerated
hardening, installed in situ after one month of storage on provisory supports
placed 30 cm from the ends.
9.60 m
l0
l1 =
9.60 m
l2
= 10.0 m.
9.0
Since t1 = 1 month; t2 = 4 months,

we can assume:
(t1) = 0.4
(t2) = 0.65
The hollow core slab is prestressed with eight 0.5 strands placed at 3.5 cm
from the intrados and six 3 3 stranded wires placed at 3.5 cm from the extrados.
Ap = 8 93 mm2 + 6 21.2 mm2 = 871.2 mm2
e = e1 = 79 mm
From the calculation of the prestressing relaxation we find:
P0 = 1250 N/mm2 P1 = 1150 N/mm2 P = 1100 N/mm2
212
5.7.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Slab span, for calculating the effect of prestressing, takes into account the
70 diameters of the transmission length. In this case interpolation is made
between eight 0.5 strands and six 3 3 stranded wires and is assumed:
lp
= 9600 (70 8.1) = 9033 mm
The following rheological characteristics are assumed:

(,o) = 2.5
(t1, t0) = 0.32.5 = 0.75
(t2, t1) = 0.252.5 = 0.625
(, t1) = 0.62.5 = 1.5
(, t1) = 0.352.5 = 0.875
E0, lower = 18.000 MPa
E0, upper = 19.000 MPa
E1 = E2 = 30.000 MPa
= 0.8
Initial camber 0
(mean theoretical value with tolerance 0.10.2 % of
l)
Initial camber on storage due to prestressing alone is:
871 1250 79 90332

8 18000 2061 102
= 23.6 mm
Initial sag on storage due to dead load is:

=
5
384
3.7
1.2 9004
19000 2061 106
= 9.7 mm
The resulting initial camber is:

0 = 0, p + 0, G = 23.6 + 9.7 = 13.9 mm
(with tolerance 1019 mm)
5.7.
213
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
Camber after installation 1 in presence of additional in situ concrete

(mean theoretical value with tolerance 0.10.2% of l )
The relative viscous effects at time t1 (1 month) and relaxation of prestressing combine with initial camber due to prestressing only:

= 23.6 (1 + 0.562) + 1.13 = 35.7 mm
Viscous effects due to dead load during one month of storage:
Sag after installation due to dead load and that of additional castings:
Camber after installation at time t1 is thus found to be:

1 = 1, p + 1, G + 1, G+G1 = 35.7 + 5.6 + 8.6 = 21.5 mm
(with tolerance 1019 mm).
The relationship between camber after installation 1 and span
to be 1/465 (< 1/300).
214
5.7.
l1
is found
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Variation of camber at infinite time

(mean theoretical value with tolerance 0.10.2% of l)
Viscous effects due to prestressing in aged concrete, added to relaxation of
reinforcement:
,p = 0.81.5
(1150 1100) 1150871.27990332 2.5

1150
8300002120106
= (1.2 0.068) 132.5/5 = 7.3 mm
Viscous effects due to dead load and additional castings up to time t2 of

application of live loads (4 months from casting)
2.5
1.2 (3.7 + 0.3) 1000040.625
384
300002120106
= 3.1mm
Elastic sag caused by permanent and long-term variable loads
2.5
1.2 (3.0 + 1.5) 100004
384
300002120106
5.5 mm
Viscous effects from time of application of live loads t2 to infinite time

due to dead load, weight of additional casting, permanent and long-term
variable loads:
5.7.
215
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
2.5
384
Chapter 5
1.2 (3.7 + 0.3 + 3.0 + 1.5) 100004

0.80.875 = 7,3 mm
300002120106
Variation in camber at infinite time is thus:

= ,p + 2,G+G1 + 2,Qperm+Q + ,G+Q
= 7.3 + 3.1 + 5.5 + 7.3 = 8.6 mm (with tollerance 1019 mm)
The relationship between camber variation at infinite time and the in-service
span l2 is 1/1160 (<1/500)
The theoretical instantaneous elastic sag e
for the rare load combination (that is, corresponding to the maximum value of permanent and long-term variable overloads)
2.5
384
1.2 (3.0 + 5.0) 100004

30000212010 6
= 9,8 mm
The relationship between instantaneous elastic sag and the calculated span
l2 is 1/1020 (<1/1000).
5.7.5. Elastic sag at the time of final testing

Theoretical sag under test loads, to be compared with the actual measured
sagging, can be predetermined with good precision as a function of the effective capacity for transversal distribution of the floor and as a function of
restraints at supports.
216
5.7.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Normally a strip of floor 2.40 m wide, corresponding to two hollow core

slabs, is uniformly loaded, leaving at the sides at least two or three unloaded
slabs before the edge that is free or joined to the edge beam.
In this situation, and taking into account the capacity for distribution seen in
point 5.4 above, to test the floor as if it were loaded with an overload equal to
the uniformly distributed load in service, in practice it is necessary to double
such a load on the two slabs (see Fig. 5.21).
In fact, if qc is the overload applied to the two adjacent slabs the theoretical
sag e at the centre line is:
e =
2, 3 = % of load on the slab and on the adjacent one
lc
calculated span [mm]
for an isostatic restraint
in the case of the first edge bay
12 in the case of central bays
E1
30.000 33.000
qc
test load [N/mm2]
I1
moment of inertia for 2nd phase [mm4]
Percentages of load distribution refer to paragraph 5.4 (Fig. 5.4) above.

In the case of central slabs and spans of 6 10 m we may find:
3 = 24 26% and 2 = 4 22%
q(C) = q(D) = 0.46 0.48 qc
Thus to have a test load equivalent to the in-service load
q(C) = q(D) qs
It must be
qc
qs
2 qs
0.45 0.48
5.7.
217
Chapter 5
the test load qc
Slabs loaded by
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
qs
2.40
qc
1.20
qc
A
q(C) 2 qc
q(D) 3 qc
1.20
qc
A
q(C) 3 qc
q(D) 4 qc
2.40
qc
A
(23)(34)
q(C) (2 3) qc
q(D) (3 4) qc
Fig. 5.21 Test overload qc and in-service load qs

Calculation of elastic sag for the final inspection test of a
hollow core floor.
218
5.7.
Chapter 5
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
It must be kept in mind that structural continuity, in the case of testing up to

in-service loads, is present even when a simple concrete topping without specific reinforcement against a negative moment on the bays of the floor with
simple support has been prescribed.
The tensile strength of the concrete used in the topping (which can be evaluated at 100150 kN/m for a 45 cm cover) is in fact sufficient, in normal testing conditions, to maintain structural continuity on the intermediate support,
even when specific reinforcing is lacking.
Taking these structural resources into account, it is possible to obtain restraining conditions increased even by 20 30% and transversal distribution
capacities increased even by 15% compared to theoretical ones.
The real test sag may thus be:
1
e, real = e, theor
1 1.15
= 0.6 1.0 e, theor
1 1.3
Example of calculation of test sag

Example 5.5
Calculation of theoretical test sag of the hollow core floor with h = 300 mm
described in Example 5.4 above on loading two adjacent slabs of the first bay
with a uniformly distributed load of 16.0 kN/m2, corresponding to twice the
in-service load, equivalent to 8.0 kN/m2.
lc
E1
I1
qc
n
2
3
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
10.0 m = 10,000 mm
30000 N/mm2
2120 10 6 mm4
16.0 10 3 / 10 6 N/mm2
(linear load = 1.2 16.0 N/mm)
3 (degree of theoretical restraint for the edge bay in continuity)
0.22
0.24
The theoretical elastic sag is:

e, theor =
5.7.
1.216.0 (0.22 + 0.24) 100004
384
300002120106
= 10.8 mm
219
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Chapter 5
The theoretical test sag with respect to the calculated span is approximately
l/1000. In practice, since transversal distribution is usually greater, sometimes by even more than 15%, than theoretical values due to the plate effect,
and since even on the external support there is the formation of a partial joint
which means n = 2.0 instead of n = 3.0, the test may give lower sag values on
the order of:
e, real = 10.8
5.8.
2
3
= 6.3 mm
1.15
In accordance with European Standard ISO 9001 it is required that the

graphic representation of a structure such as a hollow core floor shall be
accompanied by the following details to complete the executive plans:
-
indication of the dead weights of the structure,

indication of permanent and variable overloads,
restraints,
characteristics of the concretes to be employed,
characteristics of the types of steel to be employed,
report on calculations and verifications of cross sections at supports
and at midpoint,
detailed instructions concerning handling, lifting and assembly of prefabricated slabs with sizes of cables and equipment required,
sequence of assembly with special emphasis on safety instructions,
environmental destination of the structure to be erected,
indications concerning protections used:
fire resistance, resistance to aggressive actions, etc.;
indications of manufacturing and assembly tolerances,
rules concerning temporary timbering,
rules concerning support devices,
detailed prescriptions for finishing operations to be performed in situ,
detailed instructions concerning the forming of unions and joints,
specification of maintenance operations to be performed over the years.
Accuracy and scrupulousness are recommended in preparing the details

listed above so as to remain a Qualified Designer and Supplier of hollow
core floors.
220
5.8.
ASSAP - Association of Manufactures of Prestressed Hollow Core Floors

Offices: via Castelletto, 5 - 37050 Belfiore (Verona) - Italy
Telephon 0039 045 8780533 - Fax 0039 045 8780544
E-mail: [email protected] - Web Site: www.assapsolai.it

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The Hollow Core Floor

Design and Applications

ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS OF PRESTRESSED HOLLOW CORE FLOORS

The Hollow Core Floor

hollow core slabs

P RESTRESSED H OLLOW C ORE F LOORS

LIST OF ASSAP MEMBERS

37050 Belfiore (Verona) - Italy

Gennaro Capuano University Federico II Napoli

Precompressi Centro Nord S.p.A. Novara

Giorgio Della Bella Immobiliare Centro Nord S.p.A. Verona

Marchetti & Morandi S.a.s. Pistoia

First Published in English 2002

1.1. Notizie Storiche

Prof. Franco Levi - Politecnico of Turin (Italy)

Thanks to this formidable and reassuring scientific diagnosis, Prof. Levi

maintaining safe structural conditions and complying with the rules of

Verona, September 2002

Giorgio Della Bella

HOLLOW CORE SLAB FLOORS

Reasons for choosing hollow core floors

Notes on production technologies

Cross section geometry

Longitudinal join shape

Concrete topping on the hollow core floor

Rules and devices for the support of hollow core slabs

Increase in shear capacity with concrete filled cores

CONNECTIONS AND STRUCTURAL

Connections and ties

The execution of structural restraints

The beam-floor connection

Beams cast in situ

The connection between hollow core floor and reinforced

The large holes in hollow core floors

Static and geometric preliminary dimensioning

Transverse load distribution

Design of fire resistance

Total cross-section area

Area of reinforcement bars

Area of prestressing tendons

Modulus of elasticity; effect of action

Structure internal resistance

Design value of the internal resistance to shear force

Design value of the applied shear force

Width of a hollow core full of concrete

Width of a single web

Total width of slab webs

Distance; concrete cover of tendons

Effective depth of a cross-section

Prestressing tendon eccentricity

Distance between reinforcing bars or prestressing tendons

Transmission length of prestressing tendons

Factor for transmission length of prestressing tendons

Partial safety factor

Partial safety factor for concrete material properties

Partial safety factor for permanent actions G

Partial safety factor for prestressing actions P

Partial safety factor for variable actions Q

Partial safety factor for spalling tensions

Design principal stress