This work presents an experimental study on both short-term and long-term deflections for a

period more than seven months of reinforced high and normal strength reinforced concrete two-
way flat plate panels. Four reinforced concrete panels with dimensions of (960×960×50) mm were
investigated with simply supported edges. Concrete cube strength is about 75 MPa for HSC
panels, and 30 MPa for the control panel. Sustain load kept along the entire test period and at the
end, the loads is removed and the recoverable deflection was measured. It’s been concluded that
the rate of increase in HSC panels’ long time deflection is less than that of NSC panels, also the
long-term deflection is highly reduced by increasing the compressive strength of concrete and the
long term deflection reduced about 20% when compressive strength increased from 25 to 65 MPa.

Keywords: concrete panels, high strength, Two-Way Slab, Long and Short -Term Deflection
Received August 02, 2015; Revised August 25, 2015; Accepted September 06, 2015
Copyright © 2015 Science and Education Publishing. All Rights Reserved.
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 Numan, Bayan S. Al, Faris R. Ahmed, and Zahraa N. Rashied. "Experimental Time-
Dependent Deflection of High Strength Concrete Panels." American Journal of Civil Engineering
and Architecture 3, no. 5 (2015): 153-157.

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1.  Introduction
1
Normal strength concrete by the American Concrete Institute (ACI)  [ ] definition is a
concrete that has a cylinder compressive strength not exceeding 42 MPa (6000 psi). All
other concretes are considered high-strength concretes (HSC). Concrete with a cylinder
compressive strength of 140 MPa (20,000 psi) is used in high-rise structures in the United
2
States and Europe [ ]. In certain laboratories, exotic concretes of 315 MPa (45,000 psi)
3
have also been produced [ ]. Since concrete has to be reinforced for structural use, the
level of ductility of the reinforcement becomes the limiting factor, since higher strength
concrete tends to exhibit lower ductility.
This work, based on the experimental program conducted, discusses long-term deflection
of HSC slabs. Experimental work for long-term deflection of HSC slabs is made.

2.  Long Term Deflection

For a concrete structure, to be serviceable, cracking must be controlled and deflections
must not be excessive. It must also not vibrate excessively. Concrete shrinkage plays a
major role in each of these aspects at the service load behaviour of concrete structures.

Serviceability failures of concrete structures involving excessive cracking and/or excessive

4
deflection are relatively common. Numerous cases have been reported, in Australia  [ ] and
5
elsewhere [ ], of structures that complied with code requirements but still deflected or
cracked excessively. In a large majority of these failures, shrinkage of concrete is
primarily responsible. Clearly, the serviceability provisions embodied in our codes do not
adequately model the in-service behaviour of structures and, in particular, fail to account
adequately for shrinkage. In the case of HSC, the difficulty increased further.
The quest for serviceable concrete structures must involve the development of more
reliable design procedures. It must also involve designers giving more attention to the
specification of an appropriate concrete mix, particularly with regard to the creep and
shrinkage characteristics of the mix, and sound engineering input is required in the
construction procedures. High strength concrete structures require high standard of
construction, involving suitably long stripping times, adequate propping, effective curing
procedures and rigorous on-site supervision.

3.  Experimental Investigation
6
Stoekl [ ], reported the results of 15 years of sustained load study. He reported results for
concrete with 28 days cylinder strength up to 50 MPa. Failures of specimens loaded to
70% to 75% of the short-term strength are reported even for 50 MPa concrete. He
concluded that the sustained load strength was around 80% of the ultimate, regardless of
the compressive strength and the eccentricity.
7
Ashour and Mahmood [ ], presented an experimental and theoretical study on the influence
of steel fibers and longitudinal tension and compression reinforcements on immediate and
long-term deflections of high strength concrete beams of 85 MPa compressive strength.
Test results of eighteen beams subjected to sustained load for 180 days show that the
deflection behaviour depends on the longitudinal tension and compression reinforcement
ratios and fiber content; excessive amount of compression reinforcement and fibers may
have an unfavourable effect on the long-term deflections. The beams having the ACI
Code's minimum longitudinal tension reinforcement showed much higher time-dependent
deflection to immediate deflection ratio, when compared with that of the beams having
about 50% of the balanced tension reinforcement. The results of theoretical analysis of
tested beams and those of a parametric study show that the influence of steel fibers in
increasing the moment of inertia of cracked transformed sections is most pronounced in
beams having small amount of longitudinal tension reinforcement.
8
Ghali [ ] in 1993 presented a proposed code changes for prediction of immediate and long-
term deflections of reinforced concrete members. This study showed that the prediction of
the immediate and long-term deflections of reinforced concrete members could be
inaccurate for two reasons. First, the uncertainty of the material parameters such as
modulus of elasticity, creep coefficient, shrinkage. The second is the use of an inadequate
method of analysis.
He concluded also that long-term deflection cannot be predicted accurately by the use of
the ACI Code multiplier (λ) because the equation does not include several parameters that
influence the deflection.
 9
Hall and Ghali [ ] in 2000 presents the results of an experimental investigation of the long-
term deflection behaviour of concrete shallow beams reinforced with glass fibre reinforced
polymer (GFRP) bars. The long-term deflections of the GFRPreinforced beams are
compared to deflections of identical beams reinforced with steel bars. All beams were
under sustained loading for approximately 8 months.
The variables were the level of sustained loading and the reinforcement materials: steel or
GFRP. The experimental immediate and long-term deflections of both the steel and the
GFRPreinforced beams were compared to calculated deflections using the CEBFIP Model
Code 1990, and the ACI 31895 code using the recommendations of ACI Committee 209;
these references are for steel reinforced concrete members.

The test results indicate that under similar loading conditions and the same reinforcement
ratio, the GFRPreinforced beams had long-term deflections, due to creep and shrinkage,
1.7 times greater than those of the steelreinforced beams. A comparison of the theoretical
and experimental immediate and longterm deflections indicates that the CEBFIP Model
Code 1990 gives reasonable predictions for all beams, and that the ACI 31895 code, using
the ACI Committee 209 recommendations, overestimates the deflections due to the
combined effects of creep and shrinkage.

10]
Jawad [  in 2000 presented a theoretical and field investigation of the long-term
deflections concrete twoway slab systems. Extensive field measured two-way slab
deflections were made in this work. A multi-storey building with 96 panels was
investigated. Measurements were taken using standard levelling technique. The collected
data were used to furnish three proposals of a long-term multiplier value suitable for Iraqi
conditions. In comparison with various multipliers recommended elsewhere, the second
proposal is found to be the best acceptable one according to the local field measurements.
A proposed model for calculating the long-term deflections of two-way slabs is presented
to be suitable for Iraqi conditions.
4.  Materials and Experimental Program
4.1. General
To produce high strength concretes, several parameters have to be optimized in addition
to mix design, although the design of the concrete mixture is a major factor in achieving
the desired strength. Several methods can be applied to achieve high strength concrete.
In general, high-strength concrete contains strong aggregates, a higher Portland cement
content, and a low water/cement or water/cementations ratio. The addition of water-
reducing admixtures, superplasticizers, polymers, blast furnace slag or silica fume is
2
common today [ ].
4.2. Materials
4.2.1. Cement
Ordinary Portland cements (OPC) was used in the experimental program. It is produced by
Al-Sabe'a Lebanon factory. The cement was kept in closed plastic containers throughout
the experimental work to keep the cement in a good condition and to minimize the effect
11]
of humidity. Its properties are conformed to the Iraqi specifications No.5/1984 [ .

4.2.2. Fine Aggregate (sand)

Al-a'sela natural sand with maximum size of 4.75 mm was used throughout this work. The
12]
grading of the sand was conformed to the Iraqi specification No. 45/1984 [ .

4.2.3. Coarse Aggregate

Crushed gravel from AL-Nibaey region was used throughout this work. According to the
13]
recommendations of ACI 211.4R-93 [  for mix selection of high performance concrete,
the maximum size of 10 mm (3/8 in.) for the crushed gravel was selected. The crushed
river gravel coarse aggregate were washed, then stored in air to dry the surface, then
stored in containers in a saturated surface dry condition before using.

4.2.4. Superplasticizer
High range water-reducing admixture called SP-1 was used throughout the experimental
work. The superplasticizer was produced by (Al-AZRAK Company, Jordan) and it is
complied with ASTM C494 type A&F as described in the manual of the product.

4.2.5. Mixing Water

Tap water was used for casting and curing all the specimens.

4.2.6. Steel Reinforcing Mesh

One size of normal strength steel wires was used. Wires of size (2.5mm) used as a bottom
mesh reinforcement with 5 mm concrete cover. Yield strength of the wires was determined
by tensile test. Results of test showed that the yield strength of the wires of (2.5mm)
equal to 420 MPa. The number of wires was (21) in each direction at the bottom face.

5.  Experimental Program
5.1. Mix Design
13]
According to the recommendations of the ACI 211.4R 93 [  several trial mixes were
made. Reference concrete mixture was designed to give a 28-day characteristic
compressive strength of 65 MPa. The cement content was 550 kg/m 3 (and 350 kg/m 3 for
normal concrete), water/cement ratio was 0.32, (1.4%) superplasticizer by weight of
cement, and proportions of mix was found to be [1:1.21:1.8] by weight. Table 1 shows
the details of the different types of the concrete mix used in this work.
Table 1. Details of the concrete mixes used in slabs used for Long Term
Deflection
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5.2. Mixing, Casting and Curing Procedure

Four slabs of (960×960×50) mm were cast corresponding to the different types of
concrete mixes. These slabs marked (L1, L2, L3 and L4) as shown with the details
in Table 1 above. For each slab, three (100 mm cube) of concrete were cast. The same
mix procedure used in the first part of experimental work was adopted in this part of
experimental work. Each slab reinforced with one bottom steel mesh of (212.5 Each
Way). Figure 1 shows details of the slabs.
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Figure 1. Details of slabs for long time deflection test, all dimensions in (mm)
5.3. Testing Specimens
All slabs were tested at 28 days age. Before the day of testing, the slabs were taken out
from the container of curing, cleaned and painted. All slabs were tested on simple
supports and in pure bending by uniform load (sustained load produced by sub-base layer
placed on the panels) as shown in Figure 2.
One dial gauge (with an accuracy of 0.01 mm) was placed at the center of the bottom face
of each panel for reading the deflection after different periods. Nylon sheets were placed
on top of slabs to separate concrete from the sub-base load layer. The load of sub-base
layer and slab load are (2.383 kN/m 2).

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Figure 2. Slabs for long-time deflection test

6.  Panel Specimens Test Results

6.1. Short-Term Deflections
Table 2. Measured Short-Term Deflection

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Deflections are recorded immediately after the panels are loaded in place on their
supports. Table 2summarizes the panels tested, giving actual compressive strength of
concrete, age of concrete panel when loaded and measured short-term deflections. The
14, 15]
instantaneous deflections are measured for all panels at an age of 28 days [ .
6.2. Long-Term Deflections
To evaluate the time-dependent deflection behavior, it is necessary to load the panels for
a long period of time. Deflection measurements were taken over a seven-month period
under the predetermined level of sustained load permit assessment of this effect.

Plots of the measured midspan deflection versus time for the four panels are shown
in Figure 3, It can be seen that the deflection increases with time due to the effects of
creep and shrinkage. However, the rate of increase of deflection decreases with time.
Also, it is clear that the increase in concrete strength reduces the long-term deflections.

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Figure 3. Measured mid-span deflection versus time for the panel L1 to L4

A large increase in deflection is noticed during the first three months after the load is
applied. After that, the rate of increase became smaller as time progressed, i.e., in all
panels there is a substantial increase of deflection followed by a period where the
deflection increases are minimal. Table 3summarize the measured long-term deflections
for each loaded panel. It can be seen that the rate of increase in HSC panels’ long time
deflection is less than that of NSC panels.
Table 3. Measured Long-Term Deflection for all panels

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The ratio of deflection increments between the 28-days and 7-months periods vary from
27 to 34 % for HSC panels in average. The corresponding ratios for NSC panels vary from
16 to 25 % (10, 17, 18, 19, 20).

At the end of testing period of seven months, the load is removed and the rate of
deflection recovery is monitored. Results at the end of seven months testing are
summarized in Table 4, where (Δs), (Δi), (Δr), and (Δir) are short term deflection at the
center of the panel, experimental deflection increment, recoverable deflection, and
irrecoverable deflection, respectively.
Table 4. Test Results of Sustained Loading

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7.  Conclusions
Time dependent deflection up to 210 days was measured for three HS concrete panels
(∼65 MPa) and one control panel with (24 MPa).

The following conclusions can be drawn based on the results of this work;

1. The overall trend of deflection-time curves is similar. The high strength panels showed
similar or little less values at 1 st week and clearly less values at later days.
2. The 210-days center panel deflection for control panel was (2.725) mm, while it was
(2.48, 2.15, and 2.05) mm for high strength panels. Ratio of Δ HS / Δcontrol are (0.91, .79,
and 0.75), indicating an overall better performance of HS concrete panels in long term
deflection.
3. The 210-days ratio of long term to short term deflection (ΔL/ΔS) for control panel was
(2.58), the corresponding ratios for HS panels are (2.66, 2.38, and 2.13) with an average
of (2.39). They are less than the control panels, however, the values of ACI ratio (2.0) for
beams (used for slabs) seems doesn’t apply. A values of 2.5 as suggested by
17]
Branson [  sound suitable for normal and HS concrete slabs.
4. A large increase in deflection is noticed during the first three months after the load is
applied. At the last three months, the rate of increase became smaller as time progressed.

5. Deflection recovery, when panels were unloaded, had been detected and found to be
about 15%, 18%, 20% and 40% for panels with cube compressive strength 74.7, 76.2,
76.6 and 29.1 MPa respectively.

Abbreviations

HSC: High Strength Concrete

NSC: Normal Strength Concrete

S.P: Supper Plasticizer

Meas: Measured

W/C: Water / Cement Ratio

fcu: Cube Concrete Compressive Strength
fc’: Cylinder Concrete Compressive Strength

ΔS: Short Term Deflection

ΔL: Long Term Deflection

Δi: Exp Def. increment

Δr: Recoverable deflection

Δir: Irrecoverable deflection

References

[1]   ACI Code (31814), “Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete”, American
Concrete Institute, Detroit, Mich. 2002.
In article      
 
[2]   Edwrd G. Nawy, “High Performance concrete”, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Second Edition,
2001.
In article      
 
[3]   Ali, F.A., Abu-Tair, A., O'Connor, D., Benmarce, A. and Nadjai A., “Useful and Practical
Hints on the Process of Producing High-Strength concrete”, Practical Periodical on
Structural Design and Construction, Nov., 2001.
In article       View Article 
 
[4]   AS3600-1994, Australian Standard for Concrete Structures, Standards Australia, Sydney,
(1994).
In article      
 
[5]   R.I. Gilbert, “Shrinkage, Cracking and Deflection; the Serviceability of Concrete
Structures”, Electronic Journal of Structural Engineering, 2001.
In article      
 
[6]   Stokal S., “Strength of Concrete under Uniaxial Sustained Loading”, SP-34 Concrete for
Nuclear Reactors, Vol.1, 1972, pp. 313-326.
In article      
 
[7]   Samir A. Ashour and Khalid Mahmood, “Long-Term Deflection of High-Strength Fiber
 Reinforced Concrete Beams”, Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An International
Journal, Vol.8, No.6, 1999, pp.236-246.
In article       View Article 
 
[8]   Ghali, A., “Deflection of Reinforced Concrete Members: A Critical Review”, ACI
Structural Journal, Vol.90, No.4, July-August 1993, pp.364-373.
In article      
 
[9]   Hall, T., and Ghali, A., “Long - Term Deflection of Concrete Members Reinforced with
Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars”, Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, 2000,
(Internet Paper).
In article      
 
[10]   Jawad, F.A.F., “Long-Term Deflection of Two-Way Slab Systems: with Particular Focus
on Iraqi Practice”, M.Sc. Thesis, College of Engineering, Al-Mustansiriyah University,
Baghdad, Iraq, February 2000, 143p.
In article      
 
[11]   Iraqi Specifications No. (5), 1984 for Portland Cement.
In article      
 
[12]   Iraqi Specifications No. (45), 1984 for Aggregates of Natural Resources used for Concrete
and Construction.
In article      
 
[13]   ACI 211.4R-93 “Guide for Selecting Proportions for High-Strength Concrete With Portland
Cement and Fly Ash”, ACI Manual of Cement Practice, Part 1: Materials and General
properties of concrete, PP.(13), Detroit ,Michigan 1994.
In article      
 
[14]   Figarovskij, V. V., “Experimental Investigation of Stiffness and Cracking of Reinforced
Concrete Flexural Members Subjected to Short-Term and Long-Term Loading”, Ph.D.
Thesis (in Russian), Moscow, 1962.
In article      
 
[15]   Hend K.S. Al-Kubaisy, “Short and Long-Term Deflections of Reinforced Polymer
Modified Concrete Panels”, M.Sc. Thesis, College of Engineering, Al-Mustansiriyah
University, Baghdad, Iraq, Dec 2004.
In article      
  
[16]   Neville, A. M. “Properties of Concrete” Pitman publishing Limited, London's 4th Edition
2000, PP. (674-760).
In article      
 
[17]   Branson D.E, “Deformation of Concrete Structures”, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1977,
546 pp.
In article      
 
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