Shear Tests On Hollowcore Slabs Final
Shear Tests On Hollowcore Slabs Final
Shear Tests On Hollowcore Slabs Final
REPORT
Prepared by: Dr. Ali Sahin Tasligedik (Research Engineer, UC Quake Centre)
November 2015
Ali Sahin Tasligedik and UC Quake Centre will not be responsible or liable for any errors,
omissions or inaccuracies in this report/article or liable to anyone for any loss, damage, injury or
expense suffered or incurred as a result of reliance on the information provided and opinions
expressed in this report/article.
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1. PROBLEM STATEMENT
Pre-stressed hollow core slabs are light weight flooring elements that can cover long span
lengths. Even though these elements have adequate bending capacity, site observations showed
that without careful consideration to initial concrete strength and the high levels of pre-stress
during design, these units may be susceptible to web shear failures as observed in Figure 1.
New Zealand code (NZS3101 2006) requires nominal transverse shear reinforcement for pre-
stressed double-T beams (Al-Ani et al. 2008), but such a requirement is not given for hollow-
core flooring units. To address the lack of shear resistance in the web, the required shear
capacity can be provided by: i) filled cores with stirrups cast in with topping concrete or ii)
addition of steel fibres into the concrete mix during the casting. In this report, the test results of
shear tests with different levels of steel fibres are assessed and reported. The results showed that
steel fibres provide a reasonable amount of extra shear capacity provided that they are designed
according to the procedures given in NZS3101 (Explained in Section 2).
Summary of Contents:
1. Problem statement:
The introduction to the problem being investigated
2. Background theory on shear capacity calculations:
The overview of tools to be utilized in the report
3. Test setup:
The testing apparatus is explained along with its limitation.
4. Test specimens:
The details of the tested specimens are summarized.
5. Test results:
The results of the tests have been listed, plotted along with the damage observations
taken during the tests.
6. Analysis of Results:
The results of the tests have been inspected for clarifying the overall effects caused by
the steel fibres.
7. Conclusions:
The summary of outcomes and challenges for future reference.
Appendix A:
Manufacturer’s data for steel fibres (Dramix 3D 80/60BG)
Appendix B:
Strand certificate provided for the test specimens.
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2. BACKGROUND THEORY ON SHEAR CAPACITY CALCULATIONS
The total shear capacity, VT, of a pre-stressed hollow core unit with steel fibres can be calculated
by the shear contribution from concrete (Vc), shear reinforcement (Vs) and steel fibers (Vf). In
the reported specimens, there were no shear reinforcement so its contribution is taken as zero
(VS=0). Accordingly, the shear capacity of a pre-stressed hollow core unit can be calculated as
given below (NZS3101 2006):
VT Vc V f (1)
K N pt
Vc 1 b bw d (2)
bw h f c
Apt
b (0.07 10 ) f c , 0.08 f c b 0.2 f c (3)
bw d
where, K = 3 for N > 0 (compression), 12 for N < 0 (tension)
Npt = Axial force imposed by pre-stressing -in N (allow for losses)
bw = The total width of the web
h = The section height
d = The effective depth of the strand
Apt = Area of the strand (accounting for dowel action)
fʹc = Concrete compressive strength
Shear contribution given by the steel fibres can be calculated as outlined in Part 2 appendix
C5A of NZS 3101 (NZS3101 2006):
hf hf
k f 1 n 1.5 (in mm) (5)
bw d
b f bw 3bw
n , n 3 and n (in mm) (6)
hf hf
200
k1 1 2 (in mm) (7)
d
where, fRk,4 = The characteristic residual tensile strength of the steel fibre reinforced concrete
at crack mouth opening level 4, i.e. at CMOD4 =3.5 mm. (For ultimate shear strength
analysis, fRk,1 was used in this report since it gives the highest contribution)
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The mean values of fRk,i for each level of CMODi are given by the manufacturer specifications
(Appendix A) and are summarized for the used steel fibre type is given in Table 1 (Values are
for 15 kg/m3).
3. TEST SETUP
In the tests, the one point loading test setup at Stahlton was used. The loading distance from the
nearest simple support was arranged such that the specimen could fail in shear. The load was
applied monotonically using a powered hydraulic pump. The loads were measured using a
250kN capacity load cell placed between the loading jack and spreader beam. The readings
were taken by using a digital load display showing the kg values of the loading. The detailed
schematics and photo of the test setup is shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3c respectively.
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4. TEST SPECIMENS
Each specimen was pre-stressed with 5 high strength strands of 100 mm2 nominal area. The
yield force of each strand is given as 184 kN in the Mill Test Certificate provided by the
manufacturer (Appendix B). The specimens were pre-stressed at 67% of their yielding force
(123 kN). Potential pre-stressing losses were in the order of 15% for these specimens. The cross
sectional detail for each specimen is as shown in Figure 3a with the only difference being the
amount of steel fibres put into each specimen (Steel fibre type: Dramix 3D 80/60BG)
a)
b) c)
Figure 3 a) Cross section for the test specimens and pre-stress information; b) Digital Schmidt hammer; c) Test
specimen placed within the setup
In total, there were only six test specimens. 2 of these specimens were as built control
specimens without any steel fibres (Specimens A1, A2). On the other hand specimens S1, S2
had 13.33 kg/m3 steel fibres while specimens S3, S4 contained 26.67 kg/m3 steel fibres. Both
ends of each specimen (end a, end b) were tested till shear failure, summing up to 12 tests in
total. Due to the lack of concrete cylinder samples, the concrete compressive strength, fʹc, was
measured using a digital Schmidt hammer (Figure 3b) by averaging 10 hammer readings at each
end of the specimens. The properties of the test specimens are summarized in Table 2.
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5. TEST RESULTS
The specimens were monotonically loaded until shear crack formation occurred, which
approximately corresponds to CMOD1 (~0.5 mm deflection). After this state, the specimens
were pushed further until a level crack widening occurred, which approximately corresponded
to CMOD4 (~3.5 mm deflection). In all of the tests, brittle shear failure was observed. However,
the specimens with steel fibres had slightly higher capacity both at CMOD1 (Ultimate capacity
point) and CMOD4 (Residual capacity point). The results reported here are analyzed further in
the analysis of results section. While doing the tests, manual load readings were taken using the
digital display connected to the load cell, which gave the load values in terms of mass (i.e. kg).
For practicality, the observed force values were written on the test specimens using g=10 m/s2
during the tests. However, as it is given in the following text, these values have been
recalculated using g=9.81 m/s2 for a better accuracy in analyses of results.
5.1. Test Results of As Built Specimens: A1a, A1b, A2a and A2b
The summary of the force readings taken during the tests is given in Table 3 and Figure 4.
Damage photos for the as built specimens, without any steel fibres, are shown from Figure 5 to
Figure 8.
Table 3 Summary of test observations (Forces have been recalculated using g=9.81 m/s2)
FCMOD1 VCMOD1 FCMOD4 VCMOD4
Specimen f’c (MPa)
(kN) (kN) (kN) (kN)
A1a 70.5 121.64 107.96 49.05 43.53
A1b 62.0 101.04 89.68 49.05 43.53
A2a 63.0 105.95 94.03 49.05 43.53
A2b 63.5 101.04 89.68 49.05 43.53
CMOD 1 corresponds to the shear failure value
CMOD 4 corresponds to the residual capacity after shear crack widens
F: applied load value
V: shear force resulting from the applied load (V=0.8875F)
140 120
121.6
120 105.9 100
100 101 101
80
80
60
60 49.05 49.05
40 49.05 49.05 40
20 20
0 CMOD 4 CMOD 4
0
CMOD 1 CMOD 1
CMOD (mm) CMOD (mm)
Figure 4 Applied force vs. corresponding CMOD values for as built specimens A1a, A1b, A2a, A2b
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Figure 5 Test specimen A1a
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5.2. Test Results of Specimens with 13.33 kg/m3 steel fibre density: S1a, S1b, S2a and S2b
The summary of the force readings taken during the tests is given in Table 4 and Figure 9.
Damage photos for these specimens with steel fibres, are shown from Figure 10 to Figure 13.
Table 4 Summary of test observations (Forces have been recalculated using g=9.81 m/s2)
FCMOD1 VCMOD1 FCMOD4 VCMOD4
Specimen f’c (MPa)
(kN) (kN) (kN) (kN)
S1a 64.5 127.53 113.18 73.58 65.30
S1b 58.5 129.49 114.92 72.59 64.43
S2a 70.0 127.53 113.18 77.50 68.78
S2b 60.0 127.53 113.18 68.67 60.95
CMOD 1 corresponds to the shear failure value
CMOD 4 corresponds to the residual capacity after shear crack widens
F: applied load value
V: shear force resulting from the applied load (V=0.8875F)
40 40
20 20
0 CMOD 4 CMOD 4
0
CMOD 1 CMOD 1
CMOD (mm) CMOD (mm)
Figure 9 Applied force vs. corresponding CMOD values for specimens with steel fibre density 13.33 kg/m3 S1a,
S1b, S2a, S2b
Figure 10 Test specimen S1a with visible steel fibres within cracks (13.33 kg/m3 steel fibre content)
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Figure 11 Test specimen S1b with visible steel fibres within the cracks (13.33 kg/m3 steel fibre content)
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5.3. Test Results of Specimens with 26.67 kg/m3 steel fibre density: S3a, S3b, S4a and S4b
The summary of the force readings taken during the tests is given in Table 5 and Figure 14.
Damage photos for these specimens with steel fibres, are shown from Figure 15 to Figure 18.
The results of specimen S4b have been neglected since the reaction frame showed significant
out-of-plane deflection in this test and the significantly high capacity value observed in this test
may not represent the real capacity value. Therefore, the results of S4b are not considered in the
analysis of results section.
Table 5 Summary of test observations (Forces have been recalculated using g=9.81 m/s2)
FCMOD1 VCMOD1 FCMOD4 VCMOD4
Specimen f’c (MPa)
(kN) (kN) (kN) (kN)
S3a 65.0 125.57 111.44 88.29 78.36
S3b 66.0 151.07 134.08 98.10 87.06
S4a 57.0 127.53 113.18 94.18 83.58
S4b 58.5 167.75 148.88 107.91 95.77
CMOD 1 corresponds to the shear failure value
CMOD 4 corresponds to the residual capacity after shear crack widens
F: applied load value
V: shear force resulting from the applied load (V=0.8875F)
140 120
120 125.6 127.5 107.9
98.1
100
100
94.18
80
80 88.29
60
60
40 40
20 20
0 CMOD 4 CMOD 4
0
CMOD 1 CMOD 1
CMOD (mm) CMOD (mm)
Figure 14 Applied force vs. corresponding CMOD values for specimens with steel fibre density 26.67 kg/m3
S1a, S1b, S2a, S2b
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Figure 16 Test specimen S3b (26.67 kg/m3 steel fibre content)
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6. ANALYSIS of RESULTS
Since all specimens had slightly different concrete compression strength due to Schmidt
hammer measurements, the comparison of the results may not be very accurate. However, it is
possible to average the concrete strength in each respective specimen groups and represent each
group with a single concrete strength value (i.e. for as built specimen group and steel fibre
reinforced specimen group). Since shear strength in concrete elements is directly proportional to
the square root of the concrete strength, as given in Equation 3, the observed experimental shear
capacity values can be modified accordingly to facilitate a more meaningful comparison. This
process is given in Table 6.
Table 6 Test results modified according to the average concrete strength values in each group of test specimens
Observed Modified
f’c f’ave,c
# FCMOD1 FCMOD4 FM,CMOD1 FM,CMOD4 VM,CMOD1 VM,CMOD4
(MPa) (MPa)
(kN) (kN) (kN) (kN) (kN) (kN)
A1a 70.5 121.64 49.05 116.58 47.00 103.46 41.72
A1b 62.0 101.04 49.05 103.26 50.13 91.64 44.49
64.75
A2a 63.0 105.95 49.05 107.41 49.73 95.33 44.13
A2b 63.5 101.04 49.05 102.03 49.53 90.55 43.96
S1a 64.5 127.53 73.58 126.29 72.86 112.08 64.66
S1b 58.5 129.49 72.59 134.65 75.48 119.50 67.00
63.25
S2a 70.0 127.53 77.50 121.23 73.67 107.59 65.38
S2b 60.0 127.53 68.67 130.94 70.51 116.21 62.57
S3a 65.0 125.57 88.29 122.27 85.97 108.51 76.30
S3b 66.0 151.07 98.10 145.98 94.79 129.56 84.13
61.63
S4a 57.0 127.53 94.18 132.60 97.92 117.69 86.91
S4b 58.5 167.75 107.91 172.17 110.75 152.80 98.29
,c
f ave
Note: FM ,CMODi FCMODi , VCMODi FCMODi 0.8875 (from equilibrium)
f c
Using these results, the comparison of all the specimens can be made as shown in Figure 19. In
this plot, it can be seen that the added doses of steel fibres in concrete causes an increased
capacity at both CMOD 1 and CMOD 4 levels.
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0 kg/m3 13.33 kg/m3 26.67 kg/m3
Applied Shear, 0.8875F (kN)
On the other hand, the steel fibres seem to be more effectively increasing the residual capacity
(i.e. at CMOD4 level) rather than the capacity at shear failure (i.e. CMOD1 level). This can be
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clearly seen when percentage of additional capacity over the as built capacity are plotted at
CMOD1 and CMOD4 levels (Figure 20). In this figure, it can be seen that addition of 13.33
kg/m3 to the as built specimen resulted in capacity gain of 19.53% and 48.95% at CMOD1 and
CMOD4 respectively. Similarly, addition of 26.67 kg/m3 of steel fibres caused capacity gain of
24.5% and 89.2% at CMOD1 and CMOD4 respectively.
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13.33 kg/m3 steel fibre dosage 89.2
26.67 kg/m3 steel fibre dosage
Shear Capacity Gain (%) 80
60
48.95
40
24.5
19.53
20
0 CMOD 4
CMOD 1
CMOD (mm)
Figure 20 Percentage of shear capacity gain over the as built capacity
Considering the limited number of tests in this particular inspection, it is not possible to
conclude a generalized result for the amount of added capacity by different steel fibre dosages.
However, it can safely be said that additional steel fibres in concrete is beneficial for increasing
the shear capacity of a hollow core section. This also adds much needed residual resistance that
can be a lifesaving factor in the case of a shear failure.
5 99
b (0.07 10 ) f c 0.1928 f c 0.08 f c 0.1928 f c 0.2 f c OK
260 155
3 123000 5 35.481
Vc (1 ) 0.1928 f c 260 155 (1 ) 7769.84 f c
260 200 f c f c
275681.69
Vc (7769.84 ) f c
f c
Due to the variances in each test, the average concrete strength values, fʹave,c, and the observed
shear capacities normalized accordingly, VM,CMOD1 (previously given in Table 6), will be used
for the comparison with theoretical capacity values. The resulting concrete shear contribution
values, Vc, are given in Table 7.
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6.1.2. Shear contribution due to steel fibres (Vf):
Ultimate capacity values due to the additional steel fibre content can be calculated using
equations 4-8. For these calculations, fRk,i values given in the manufacturer’s steel fibre
specification (Appendix A) are required. However, it should be noted that the provided values
are only valid for steel fibre dosage of 15 kg/m3. In the reported test specimens, the steel fibre
dosage levels were 13.33 kg/m3 and 26.67 kg/m3. Therefore, the numerical capacity calculation
given by NZS 3101 (equations 4-8) will result in an average shear capacity rather than an exact
estimate. This estimation may give reasonable results for the specimens with 13.33 kg/m3 steel
fibre content whilst the result may show a degree of deviation for the specimens with 26.67
kg/m3 steel fibres. The shear capacity contribution can be calculated as given below. The results
are summarized in Table 7.
200
Using Eq. 7: k1 1 2.14 2.0 k1 2
155
30 30
Using Eq. 5: k f 1 3 1.067 1.5 OK
260 155
Using Eq. 4: V f ,CMOD1 0.7 1.067 2 0.288 260 155 17338N 17.34kN
Table 7 Comparison of calculated ultimate shear capacity, VT, and the observed shear capacities of the test
specimens (VM,CMOD1)
f’ave,c VM,CMOD1 Vc Vf VT Difference
#
(MPa) (kN) (kN) (kN) (kN) (%)
A1a 103.46 0 96.78 -6.5
A1b 91.64 0 96.78 +5.6
64.75 96.78
A2a 95.33 0 96.78 +1.5
A2b 90.55 0 96.78 +6.9
S1a 112.08 17.34 113.80 +1.5
S1b 119.50 17.34 113.80 -4.8
63.25 96.46
S2a 107.59 17.34 113.80 +5.8
S2b 116.21 17.34 113.80 -2.1
S3a 108.51 17.34 113.45 +4.6
S3b 129.56 17.34 113.45 -12.4
61.63 96.11
S4a 117.69 17.34 113.45 -3.6
S4b* 152.80 17.34 113.45 -25.8
* Omitted specimen
Vf values are calculated using the manufacturer’s specifications for 15 kg/m3 steel fibre
content
When these capacities are plotted, it can be seen that the calculated shear capacities correlate
well with the experimental results. This is also valid for the specimens with steel fibres. Due to
the lack of information for high dosages of steel fibres, the results are more accurate for a steel
fibre content about 15 kg/m3, as suggested by the manufacturer. Moreover, the capacity gain
from 13.33 kg/m3 to 26.67 kg/m3 is negligible in the reported experimental results. However, as
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stated previously, increasing doses of steel fibres seem to be increasing the residual capacity
more efficiently than the ultimate capacity (Shown in Figure 20), which can be beneficial to
ductility and life safety of these elements.
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140 152.8
Shear Capacity (kN)
117.7
112.1
120 103.5
107.6 108.5
129.6
95.33 119.5 116.2
100
80 91.64 90.55
60
40 Observed Shear Capacities (Normalized to f'ave,c)
Calculated Capacities Using 15 kg/m3
20 Steel Fibre Ratio Given by the Manufacturer
0
A1a A1b A2a A2b S1a S1b S2a S2b S3a S3b S4a S4b*
S4b*: Omitted Specimen
Figure 21 Comparison of experimental shear capacities (normalized to fʹave,c) and calculated shear capacities
according to NZS 3101
7. CONCLUSIONS
Considering the limited number of tests reported herein, it is not possible to generalize the
results. However, it can be stated that addition of steel fibres into concrete, in general, has
beneficial effects. Although they add to the ultimate shear capacities of the pre-stressed hollow
core elements (~20% in the reported work), this additional strength is not too significant above
15 kg/m3 dosage of steel fibres. On the other hand, higher steel fibre content may contribute
more significantly to residual strength of the considered element. This allows some residual
force resistance that may be important for life safety during such sudden failures. The
quantification of the residual capacity for such scenarios are still an engineering challenge that
still needs further research (Al-Ani et al. 2008; NZS3101 2006). Nonetheless, even the low dose
of 13.33 kg/m3 steel fibre content resulted in an ultimate capacity gain of approximately 20%
while it caused approximately 50% residual strength gain. 26.67 kg/m3 dose of steel fibre caused
capacity gains of 25% for ultimate and 90% for residual.
REFERENCES
Al-Ani MA, Rogers RA, Brooke NJ Performance of Low-Dose Steel Fibre Reinforced Double
Tee Beams. In: 8th International Symposium on Utilization of High-Strength and High-
Performance Concrete, Tokyo, Japan, 27-29 October 2008 2008.
NZS3101 (2006) The Design of Concrete Structures vol 3101. New Zealand Standard,
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APPENDIX A-Steel Fibre Data Sheet
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APPENDIX B-Post Tensioning Certificate
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