Fire resistance of extruded hollow-core slabs

Purpose – Prefabricated extruded hollow-core slabs are preferred building components for floor structures in several countries. It is therefore important to be able to document the fire resistance of these slabs proving fulfilment of standard fire resistance requirements of 60 and 120 min found in most national building regulations.

The paper aims to present a detailed analysis of the mechanisms responsible for the loss of loadbearing capacity of hollow-core slabs when exposed to fire. Design/methodology/approach – Furthermore, it compares theoretica calculation and assessment according to the structural codes with data derived from a standard fire test and from a thorough examination of the comprehensive test documentation available on fire exposed hollow-core slabs.

Findings – Mechanisms for loss of load-bearing capacity are clarified, and evidence of the fire resistance is found. Originality value – For the first time, the mechanisms responsible for loss of load-bearing capacity are identified, and test results and calculation approach are for the first time applied in accordance with each other for assessment of fire resistance of the structure.