Prenova

Seismic Behavior Report
Voided Slabs with Spheres or Discs

Alfonso Larran y Associates - Prenova
Structural Report
Seismic structural analysis
of Prenova voided slabs with spheres.
Authors:
Alfonso Larran Vial Civil Engineer
Toms Yez Celedn Civil Engineer
Andrs Larran Contador Civil Engineer
Alfonso Larran Vial and Asoc. Ltda.

II Structural Civil Engineering
Avenida Vitacura 2909, Of.801, Las Condes, Santiago

f: (+562) 25714132 / www.alving.cl / info@alving.cl

1. - Introduction and precedents

The report is written on behalf of Architect Ricardo Levinton, from PRENOVA (www.prenova.com.ar),
with the aim of validating the seismic performance of the voided slab construction system with plastic
spheres or discs.
In seismic zones, the slab plays an additional role, transferring the horizontal loads to the different
vertical elements, such as walls or seismic frames. As specified on the design code ACI 318, on chapter
21 dedicated to seismic design:
21.11.3.1 All the diaphragms and its connections must be designed to be capable of
transferring all the loads to the respective collecting elements, and to the resistant vertical
elements of the system against seismic forces.
This study has been developed in order to determine the failure mechanism, and the voided slabs
resistance against shear stress given by seismic forces. It also pretends to deliver a design guide and
criteria, specifying on the appliance of voided slabs in seismic zones.
For this study, two types of tests have been rehearsed, involving 3 test tubes each. The tests have been
designed by Alfonso Larran Vial and Associates structural office, and they have been carried out in
the Investigation and Building Development Department laboratories of the Instituto Nacional de
Tecnologa Industrial INTI, in Buenos Aires.
To complete this report, it is included a technical test report from INTI, O.T. N 101/22207.



2. - Description of structural details.

A voided slab is constructed by disposing plastic spheres, or 225 mm diameter discs orthogonally in
between two steel meshes. When pouring the concrete in the slab, the spheres remain trapped inside
the concrete producing a voided slab with inner cavities in the two directions. Three clear parts can be
distinguished for this concrete element: An upper continuous slab, an inferior continuous slab, and the
concrete webs in the two orthogonal directions linking the upper and lower slab.
Figure 1: Plan scheme and Section of discos100mm high.

Figure 2: Discs disposition before concrete.


3. Tests and Test Tubes.

Three types of plastic discs have been tested, which vary in height, diameter and spacing in between
discs. The parameters of each disc are summarized in the following chart:
Name
Height
[mm]
Diameter D
[mm]
Spacing
e [mm]
P100
100
225
25
P140
140
225
25
P220
220
220
30
Chart 1: Name and parameter of Prenova discs that where tested.
3.1 Description of the Tests concepts

In order to model the failure mechanism of a voided slab under shear stress due to seismic efforts, two
tests that replicate the efforts a slab is exposed to during a seism have been design:
TEST 1: Test of Sidelong transference load.
The first test has been designed with the aim of observing the failure mechanism of a voided slab when
applying inverted loads over the continuous front sides given by the inferior and upper concrete
coating of the slab. The efforts are transmitted through the concrete core that is formed surrounding the
spheres or discs.
Figure 3: Concept Design for Test 1. Lateral Load Transfer.



TEST 2: Direct Shear Test.

The second test aims to determine the shear resistance in the longitudinal section of the slab.
Considering this, the slab is able to transfer the loads onto the frameworks of the seismic resistant system
or the side walls. The test consists in the application of two opposite loads in the longitudinal section of
the slab.
Figure 4: Concept Design Test 2. Direct Shear
3.2- Description of Test Tubes according to Test type.

For each test three different types of test tubes have been used, representing the geometrical
parameters of the discs and spheres P100, P140 and P220.
It was resolved to carry out the tests of the static load. Therefore, the test tubes of both tests where
adapted in order to guarantee the stability during the test procedure. The test consists in applying a
semi static load that increases in a low rate until the test tube breaks. The failure load is registered.
To guarantee the stability of the test a symmetric test tube was generated in the axis of the load
application. Notice figures 5 and 6. The arrow P indicates the point or line of application of the load.
The arrows R show the supports of the tests tubes.
Figure 5: Test Tube for Test 1. Lateral Seismic Load

Trasnference.

Figure 6: Test Tube for Test 2. Direct Shear.


3.3- Slab Thickness and Test Tube details.

Both tests,1and 2, were carried out for thicknesses of 16, 20 and 28 cm. Thicknesses of 16 and 20cm were
built with Prenova discs of 22,5 cm diameter and 10cm high for a 16cm slab, and 14cm high for a 20cm
slab. Moreover, the 28cm slab was built with spheres of 22 cm diameter. The following table shows the
number of tests according to the mentioned thicknesses, for tests types 1 and 2. Then, the pictures
below show each of the corresponding dimensions of the test tubes.
Number
of
Test
1.1
Slab
Thickness
[mm]
380
1.2
450
225
140
N 3 2 probetas
1.3
600
220
220
N 2 2 probetas
2.1
160
225
100
N 6 3 probetas
2.2
200
225
140
N 5 3 probetas
2.3
280
220
220
N 4 3 probetas
Test
Type
Disc
Diameter
[mm]
225
Disc
Height
[mm]
100
INTI Sample Code (*)

N 1 2 probetas
(*)Numbers of the Report on the tests, written by INTIO.T. N101/22207

Chart 2: Number, test type, geometric parameters.



Figure 7: Test Tube1.1, Test 1of 16cm thickness, discs of 22, 5 cm diameter and 16cm high.
Figure 8: Test Tube 1.2, Test of 20cm thickness, discs of 22,5cm diameter, and 14 cm high
Figure 9: Test Tube 1.3, Test of 28 cm thickness, 22 cm diameter spheres.



Figure 10: Test Tube 2.1, Test 2 of 16 cm thickness, discs of 22, 5 cm diameter and 10 cm high.
Figure 11:Test Tube 2.2 Test 2 of 20 cm thickness, discs of 22,5 cm diameter and14 cm high.
Figure 12: Test Tube 2.3 Test 2 of 28 cm thickness, with spheres of 22 cm diameter.



4. - Test Results
The following tables show the breaking loads of each test tube. A summary of the results of the INTI
report, OT N 101/ 22207 is presented.
4.1-Results of Test 1: Lateral seismic load transfer.
Test
Specimen
[N]
Breaking Load
[kN] (ton)
2523
975.80 (99.6)
2524
987.20 (100.7)
2527
829.60 (84.7)
2528
522.40 (53.3)
2525
802.00 (81.8)
2526
787.80 (80.4)
1.1
1.2
1.3
Chart 3: Test 1 Results
Test tube 2528 showed a bad facing operation on the test tube surfaces. Therefore, the loads are not
uniformly distributed, despite counting on a base plate for this function. The result of test tube 2528 will
be disregarded in the analysis.
Figures 13 and 14 show a unique vertical crack starting on the side of the support up to a close distance
to the point of application of the load. No damages or cracks are distinguished in other zones of the
test tube.
Figure 13: Test Tube, Test 1.3

Figure 14: Test Tube, Test 1.3 - Failure.


Figures 15 and 16 show the crushing of a corner prop. The prop goes from the point of application of the
load up to a support. The cracks go across the longitudinal side of the prop. The concrete can break
loose and disintegrate.
Figura 15: Test Tube Crack, Test 1.3

Figura 16: Test Tube Crack, Test 1.3


4.2- Test Results N2: Direct Shear.

Test
Specimen[N]
Break Load
[kN]
Observations
2535
557.20
Disregarded
2536
634.40
2537
642.40
2532
567.60
2533
574.20
2534
491.60
2529
725.20
2530
766.80
2531
571.60
2.1
2.2
2.3
Break load at
550.00 kN
Break load at
443.00 kN
Disregarded
Disregarded
Chart 4: Test 2 Results
Test tubes 2531,2534 and 2535 show a bad facing operation of the test tube surfaces, being the loads in
consequence not uniform in their application, despite counting on a base plate for this function. The
results of test tubes 2531, 2534 and 2535 are disregarded from the analysis.
Figure 17: Test tube failure on Test 2.3



Cracks starting on a support can be observed in picture 17. The crack is visible on the lateral and
frontal surfaces. The crack goes diagonally up to the upper central zone, where the load is applied.
Picture 19 shows cracks on both extreme sides of the test tube. In one end, a continuous crack can be
appreciated, going from the support up to the centre of the upper edge. On the opposite end 3
diagonal cracks can be seen, all of them parallel to each other.
Pictures 19 and 20 show test tubes failure due to the crushing of two margins on the lateral load. The
prop breaks loose from the rest of the test tube. The support does not evidence crushing of the prop.
4.3- Resistance of the Concrete used in the Tests

Regarding to the report produced by INTI Constructions according to the O.T.I N 101/22207 and the
results of the two test tubes, and regarding the Argentinean current code CIRSOC 201:1982 and the
Project of Code CIRSOC 201:2005, it is concluded that the cylindrical resistance of concrete is
fc = 20, 7 MPa.



5. - Analysis of the Results

On the following chart, number 5, the results of the valid test tubes is summarized. The average of the
breaking loads was considered from these results.
Slab
Thickness
[mm]
380
Disc
Diameter
[mm]
225
Disc
Height
[mm]
100
1.2
450
225
140
829.6
1.3
600
220
220
794.9
2.1
160
225
100
638.4
2.2
200
225
140
575.9
2.3
280
220
220
746.0
Number
of Test
Test
Type
1.1
Breaking Load
[kN]
981.5
Chart 5: Summary of the results of Test 1 and 2.
5.1- Seismic Studies Test 1

In test number 1 two breaking mechanisms are observed; the breaking of the test tube due to the
concrete traction in the lower edge in between supports, and the breaking due to the crushing of the
diagonal edge. Both mechanisms can be described by a model of a tensor prop that is produced in
the complete section of the concrete. See figure 21.
TENSOR PROP MODEL TEST 1

Figure 21: Model of a tensor prop of the complete section. Models for thicknesses of 600, 454 y 374 mm.



The global resistance of the test tube is determined by the traction resistance of the lower section of
concrete (tensor) and by the compression resistance of the prop.
The breaking load given by traction (tensor) does not represent the load transmission phenomena
from one surface of the voided slab to the other; it is rather a peculiarity of the test tube design. The
brake load given by the crushing of the diagonal prop represents in a clearer way the transmission of
loads from one surface of the slab to the other.
The prop will aim for its transmission to the most rigid section of the element, consequently the prop will
be developed only in the complete sections of concrete, despised any other section which contains a
void.
Picture 22 illustrates the resistance of each test tube and the theoretical breaking loads of the prop
and the tensor. In the axis of the abscissas the ratio Width / Height of the test tube is specified (B/H) as
an index of slenderness.
1200
Carga de Ruptura [kN]
1000
800
600
400
Ensayo 1
200
Tensor
Puntal
0
0,40
0,50
0,60
0,70
0,80
B/H
Figure 22: Graphic results of the tests and breaking load models of tensor prop Test 1.
From the graphic it can be seen that the theoretical values indicate a lower resistance than the ones
obtained by the test; this is predictable due to the dispersal of results that is obtained on the concrete
tests and also due to the fact that the theoretical values represent the inferior mark of concrete
behavior. The additional resistance is not attributed to the peculiarity of the geometry of the test
tubes.
The graph clears out that the prop resistance is lower than the tensor resistance, given the test tube
must break first by the crushing of the prop before the tensor.



5.2 Seismic Study Test 2.

Test 2 demonstrates a breaking mechanism by the crushing of the lateral sides of concrete. This
mechanism can be explained by a model of a tensor prop. Breakings if the tensor where not observed
due to the present reinforcing bars in the surfaces of the test tube.
Figure 23: Tensor Prop Model Test 2
800
Carga de Ruptura [kN]
700
600
500
400
300
Ensayo 2
200
Tensor
100
Puntal
0
0
0,1
0,2
0,3
0,4
0,5
B/H
Figure 24:G Graph breaking load and model tensor prop; Test 2
Parameters and design criteria refer to ACI 318-11 A.1



6. - Conclusions.
Considering the tests and the analysis produced the following is concluded:
-
The behavior of a voided slab subjected to shear stress can be represented by tensor prop
model.
The prop subjected to compressive stress will develop only in the complete sections of concrete,
given that only the area of concrete that belongs to a complete section must be considered as
a shear stress resistant area.
Given that the tensor prop model represents in an appropriate way the resistance of the test
tube, it is recommended to use the shear stress resistance values expressed in ACI318-11using
only the upper or lower section as a shear stress resistant area. See figure 25.
In areas of concentration of strong seismic forces, it is recommended to use a solid slab to resist
cyclical forces. These areas will depend on the structural type of each building and the designer
must identify them.
The structural designer must be careful when identifying the areas of strong seismic forces. It is
recommended to build solid slabs where it is necessary to transmit these efforts.
To increase the seismic shear strength it is recommended:
As a first and most effective alternative, increase the upper and lower width of the voided slab
indicated as bw in figure 25.
Figure 25: Parameters of the shear stress area according to ACI 318
Increasing the reinforcing bars in the upper and lower widths (bw). Respecting the limits of
maximum shear stress reinforcement according to ACI considering the section bw of figure 25,
this can be localized in between the steel reinforcement frame shown in the figure, that is an
area where the reinforcement will have greater coating.
Additional to the reinforcement indicated in the previous text, shackles can be installed in the
section (be) as indicated in figure 26 in order to join both additional reinforcements.



Figure 26: additional reinforcement for seismic forces.
In conclusion, Prenovas voided slab is capable of transferring all the loads to the respective collecting
elements, and to the resistant vertical elements of the system against seismic forces, as stipulated on
chapter 21 of ACI-318 2011. Shear resistance generated by seismic forces can be increased following
the indications described on this chapter.
SANTIAGO, 19th of April 2013.
ALFONSO LARRAN VIAL

INGENIERO CIVIL ESTRUCTURAL
ALFONSO LARRAN VIAL Y ASOC. LTDA.
ANDRS LARRAN CONTADOR

TOMS YEZ CELEDN




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Seismic Behavior Report

Voided Slabs with Spheres or Discs

Alfonso Larran Vial and Asoc. Ltda.

Avenida Vitacura 2909, Of.801, Las Condes, Santiago

Seismic Behavior Report

1. - Introduction and precedents

Alfonso Larran Vial and Asoc. Ltda.

Avenida Vitacura 2909, Of.801, Las Condes, Santiago

Seismic Behavior Report

2. - Description of structural details.

Figure 1: Plan scheme and Section of discos100mm high.

Alfonso Larran Vial and Asoc. Ltda.

Figure 2: Discs disposition before concrete.

Avenida Vitacura 2909, Of.801, Las Condes, Santiago

Seismic Behavior Report

3. Tests and Test Tubes.

Chart 1: Name and parameter of Prenova discs that where tested.

3.1 Description of the Tests concepts

Figure 3: Concept Design for Test 1. Lateral Load Transfer.

Alfonso Larran Vial and Asoc. Ltda.

Avenida Vitacura 2909, Of.801, Las Condes, Santiago

Seismic Behavior Report

TEST 2: Direct Shear Test.

Figure 4: Concept Design Test 2. Direct Shear

3.2- Description of Test Tubes according to Test type.

Figure 5: Test Tube for Test 1. Lateral Seismic Load

Alfonso Larran Vial and Asoc. Ltda.

Figure 6: Test Tube for Test 2. Direct Shear.

Avenida Vitacura 2909, Of.801, Las Condes, Santiago

Seismic Behavior Report

3.3- Slab Thickness and Test Tube details.

INTI Sample Code (*)

(*)Numbers of the Report on the tests, written by INTIO.T. N101/22207

Alfonso Larran Vial and Asoc. Ltda.

Avenida Vitacura 2909, Of.801, Las Condes, Santiago

Seismic Behavior Report

Figure 9: Test Tube 1.3, Test of 28 cm thickness, 22 cm diameter spheres.

Alfonso Larran Vial and Asoc. Ltda.

Avenida Vitacura 2909, Of.801, Las Condes, Santiago

Seismic Behavior Report

Alfonso Larran Vial and Asoc. Ltda.

Avenida Vitacura 2909, Of.801, Las Condes, Santiago

Seismic Behavior Report

Chart 3: Test 1 Results

Figure 13: Test Tube, Test 1.3

Alfonso Larran Vial and Asoc. Ltda.

Figure 14: Test Tube, Test 1.3 - Failure.

Avenida Vitacura 2909, Of.801, Las Condes, Santiago

Seismic Behavior Report

Figura 15: Test Tube Crack, Test 1.3

Alfonso Larran Vial and Asoc. Ltda.

Figura 16: Test Tube Crack, Test 1.3

Avenida Vitacura 2909, Of.801, Las Condes, Santiago

Seismic Behavior Report

4.2- Test Results N2: Direct Shear.

Chart 4: Test 2 Results

Figure 17: Test tube failure on Test 2.3

Alfonso Larran Vial and Asoc. Ltda.

Figure 18: Test tube failure on Test 2.3

Avenida Vitacura 2909, Of.801, Las Condes, Santiago

Seismic Behavior Report

Figure 19: Test tube failure on Test 2.3

Figure 20: Test tube failure on Test 2.3