Modeling the response of precast, prestressed concrete hollow-core slabs exposed to fire

This paper presents the development of a three-dimensional finite element model for evaluating fire performance of precast concrete hollow-core slabs. A transient thermo-structural, nonlinear finite element analysis of hollow-core slab was conducted using finite element analysis software. In the analysis, the effects of material and geometric nonlinearities, high-temperature properties of concrete, reinforcing bars, and prestressing strand were taken into account. Response parameters, including cross-sectional temperature and deflections, were used to evaluate failure of the slab. The model was validated by comparing response predictions from the model with fire test data. Good agreement between model predictions and test data indicates that the proposed model is capable of predicting fire performance of hollow-core slabs under the combined effects of fire and structural loading.