Post-Tensioned Hollow-Core Concrete Slabs with Unbonded Tendons for Truck Scale Platforms: Design Assumptions and Tests

Abstract

At Cracow University of Technology, attempts were made to develop national truck scale platforms with a capacity of 60 tons, made from prestressed concrete. For this work, we designed slabs partially prestressed with unbonded tendons featuring a cross-section of 1.00 × 0.28 m and a span of 5.94 m. To reduce the weight of the slabs, four channels made from commonly used ø110 × 2.2 mm PVC pipes were used. In this way, we created post-tensioned hollow-core slabs. Due to the unpredictable behavior of slabs operating in a cracked state under a repetitive load, two slabs were subjected to cyclic loads amounting to 1,000,000 cycles with different load values. This paper presents the basic design principles and design details of the slabs, as well as the methodology and results of the research conducted. Lastly, we provide appropriate conclusions directed at further optimizing the slabs.