Experimental investigation of the fire resistance of thin hollow-core concrete slabs with simple supports

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study on the fire resistance of relatively thin hollow-core concrete slabs with simple supports. A series of fire tests were conducted according to ISO 834 standard on nine hollow-core concrete slab specimens with thickness not exceeding 150 mm. The key parameters investigated are the heating duration, slab thickness and load ratio. Based on the test results, it has been found that the fire-resistance ratings of all the tested specimens fall below the specified requirements in the current building regulations of Thailand. The level of concrete spalling on the fire-exposed surface increases with the heating duration. It has also been found that the fire resistance of thicker hollow-core concrete slabs may be lower, even when smaller values of maximum vertical deflection are observed during the heating period. Furthermore, a higher load ratio leads to a more rapid collapse of the tested specimen. The experimental results suggest the necessity of supplementary means of fire protection for these slabs in practical building construction.