Restraint mechanisms in precast concrete double-tee floor systems subjected to fire.

Abstract

This paper examines restraint mechanisms in precast, prestressed concrete structures under fire loading. The focus of the study is a prototype precast, prestressed double-tee beam typically used for precast concrete parking structures. The study examines idealized (simple and fixed) single-span restraints and three realistic restraint mechanisms: In typical studies of fire resistance, it is common to expose structural elements to heating in accordance with a standard temperature-time relation. Standard time-temperature curves specify the furnace temperature as a function of time for a fire test. Figure 1 presents the most widely used standard fire tests ASTM E1194 and ISO 834-2. 5 In this paper, the ASTM E119 time-temperature curve is used.