Improving construction processes of concrete building structures using load limiters on shores

• Construction processes of concrete slabs in buildings are studied.
• Load limiters on shores are investigated.
• FEM is used to analyse load distribution on shores and slabs.
• Experimental and numerical results are used.
• Load limiters improve construction processes, safety, and structural efficiency.

This paper analyses the redistribution of maximum loads using a system of load limiters on shores in which the limiters yield at a given load and thus reduce the maximum load absorbed by the shores. For this analysis a finite element modelling (FEM) of an experimental building was developed in which load limiters had been fitted to the shores to restrict their maximum load to a given value. This was designed to: (a) optimise slab construction costs by using shores of lower load-bearing capacities, (b) improve safety during the construction of consecutive concrete slab floors by reducing maximum loads and redistributing loads amongst the shores; and (c) increase structural efficiency by more efficient use of the materials employed due to load redistribution. It has been estimated that using load limiters in this way can reduce total shoring costs in a building project by between 30% and 40%.