Use of destructive tests at precast factory facilities to evaluate the shear strength of precast prestressed hollow core slabs

Abstract

The prestressed hollow core slabs, usually, do not have transverse reinforcement, thus, they need care about its consideration of their shear strength in a structural design. In order not to restrict its use, the absence of transverse reinforcement can be compensated by techniques that improve its performance, such as the core filling and the use of the structural topping. This paper developed a study about the procedure of extrusion production, core filling, and technological control of hollow core slabs through destructive tests performed within a concrete precast factory, evaluating its shear strength according to the national standards. The results showed agreement with the normative values and the feasibility of performing the core filling, meets the intended use in design, however, models with more than 2 cores filled showed lower than expected results, which could be made by the bond between the core surface of hollow core slab and surface of the concrete filling material, which demonstrates the need for further studies on its use.