More info
Description / Abstract:
Synopsis: This report is in two distinct
parts
Part Iis a summary of published studies on slab
deflections (3 from Australia, 1 from Scotland, 1 from Sweden, 2
from U.S.). The summary focuses on construction practices and
materials quality. Comparison of deflections calculated by various
methods with actual long-term deflections is made in some
cases.
Part II summarizes several construction problems and
material deficiencies which can contribute to large long-term
deflections. Focusing on large construction loads, the authors show
that construction loads may be considerably higher than design
loads and that high construction loads cause high initial
deflections because concrete has a lower modulus of elasticity when
loaded at an early age. Furthermore, concrete creeps more when it
is loaded at an early age, thereby causing additional high
long-term deflections, even when construction loads are sustained
only for a few days.
The authors then suggest a method of form removal and
reshoring that has proved successful in the New York City area in
preventing large slab deflections. Essentially, no more than an
8-foot slab span is left unsupported until a slab is
mature.
A reader interested only in the Committee's findings and
recommendations may proceed straight to Part II of the
report.