Book Description

The objectives of this investigation were to study experimentally the response of deep, two-way reinforced and plain concrete slabs subjected to static overpressures and to determine the response to failure of deep slabs subjected to airblast overpressure. In the static program, tests were conducted on twenty-one deep-slab specimens having a constant span-to-thickness ratio of 4.12. The parameters varied during the tests were the steel percentage and concrete strength; also the study included tests on plain concrete slabs. Six additional deep slabs were included in a field test, with three slabs having a span-to-thickness ratio of 3.5 and three a ratio of 2.6. All of the slabs had a model scale ratio of 1/7 of the assumed prototype deep slab, had a constant square length of 30.25 inches, and were supported flat over a 24-inch-diameter clear span. The slabs tested in the field were subjected to an apparent airblast overpressure of approximately 5,000 to 6,000 psi. In the field test, the airblast overpressure was greater than that required to fail the slabs; however, there was no evidence to indicate that the dynamic load capacities were lower than the static load capacities. (Author).