Critical modelling criteria for precast pre-stressed hollow-core slabs

A detailed nonlinear finite element (FE) modelling approach is proposed to represent the behavior of precast pre-stressed hollow-core (PPHC) slabs under vertical loading until shear failure. Comparisons of the numerical predictions with experimental results show that the proposed model is capable of capturing the shear failure mechanism and related shear capacity of PPHC slabs with different shear spans. In addition, a detailed sensitivity study is conducted to determine the relative significance of each parameter in the strength and deformation capacity predictions made using the developed FE model of PPHC slabs. It is observed that the modulus of rupture and the crack bandwidth of the concrete and the cross-sectional size of the solid mesh element are the most important variables to be considered in reliability studies. In particular, for shorter shear spans, the modulus of rupture of the concrete played a dominant role in estimating the strength and deformation capacity of the PPHC slabs.