Analytical model for determining the influence of support flexibility on shear capacity of hollow core slabs

The paper presents the authors' model of calculating the shear capacity of prestressed concrete hollow core slabs in Slim Floor structures, the theoretical basis of which is Cholewicki's two-beam model and the Finnish model by Pajari and Leskela. The purpose of the model development was to find an alternative method for determining the horizontal tangential stress tau(zx) which occurrence is decisive for reducing the shear resistance of channel slabs based on flexible supports. The model gives intermediate results between the Finnish model and the German model by Hegger and Roggendorf, which seems to be desirable, taking into account the conservative character of the Finnish model. The authors' model is the first attempt to date at analytical consideration of the effect of web flexibility which may be important to maintaining an adequate capacity of the slab. In other models, the webs are treated as a rigid system, connecting the horizontal flanges of the slab. The model is a simple calculation tool, available to Slim Floor designers for an engineering analysis.