Fire performance of concrete flat slabs

Abstract

Concrete flat slabs are widely used, especially in multi-storey buildings, because of their resource efficiency and fast construction. The requirements for fire safety critically affect the overall design of these slabs. Fire design guidelines which are based on research carried out a few decades ago hinder the effective use of concrete flat slabs as they impose strict thickness and cover requirements. Since then, material properties of concrete have significantly changed, and construction methods have evolved considerably. Therefore, new research is needed to assess the fire performance of concrete flat slabs and provide a research base to improve the current fire safety design guidelines f..