Load Distribution Factors for Hollow Core Slabs with In-situ Reinforced Concrete Joints

This paper provides the engineer with a simple design method dealing with situations arise where in-situ reinforced concrete joints are cast between hollow core units. Using finite element method, hollow core slabs with wide in-situ RC joints under point load and line loads are analysed. In addition, some important behavioural characteristics of the floor slab subjected to line and point loads are investigated. In-situ reinforced concrete joint causes reduction of load distribution for remote units because distance to the remote units from the point of load is increased, while the portion of load distribution carried by loaded unit increases. Also, it was turned out load distribution factors for point load and line loads are almost same. Finally, we suggest a simple analytical method, which can determine load distribution factors using normalized deflections by regression analysis for design purposes.