Shear Strength Reduction Factor of Prestressed Hollow-Core Slab Units Based on the Reliability Approach

Abstract

This study investigated the shear design equations for prestressed hollow-core (PHC) slabs and examined the suitability of strength reduction factors based on the structural reliability theory. The reliability indexes were calculated for the shear strength equations of PHC slabs specified in several national design codes and those proposed in previous studies. In addition, the appropriate strength reduction factors for the shear strength equations to ensure the target reliability index were calculated. The results of the reliability index analysis on the ACI318-08 equation showed that the shear strengths of the members with the heights of more than 315 mm were evaluated to be excessively safe, whereas some members with low depths did not satisfy the target reliability index.