Fire tests on two-way concrete slabs in a full-scale multi-storey steel-framed building

This paper presents the results from two full-scale furnace tests conducted on two-way concrete slabs supported by composite beams in a three-storey steel-framed building. Each floor of the building consisted of nine panels (three by three) supported by composite beams. In two tests, a corner and an interior panel on the top of the building were heated by two specially designed furnaces respectively. Detailed experimental data in the form of describing slab cracking, the furnace temperatures, temperature distributions within the slab, vertical deflections and horizontal displacements are presented. Comparison of the results for the two tests indicates that the structural fire behaviour of two-way concrete slabs supported by composite beams in a multi-storey steel-framed building is highly dependent on the restraint provided by the adjacent structural members. Observations from the tests indicate that in addition to the extensive cracks formed on the top surface of the heated panels, regular cracks also occurred on the top of the adjacent unheated panels due to structural continuity and the interaction between the concrete slabs and the supporting beams. The test results show that both tested panels had good fire performances even under long duration fire conditions.

► Fire tests on isolated members do not reflect the behaviour of a complete building. ► Furnace tests were conducted on two-way concrete slabs in a real complete building. ► Restraint by the adjacent members had a significant effect on the behaviour of slabs. ► The slabs remained integrate despite being exposed to the intensive fire conditions. ► The experimental data will serve as a database for validation of numerical models.