Abstract:
Nine edge slab-column specimens were tested to investigate the effects on high strength concrete columns, due to presence of ordinary strength floor concrete layer in between the columns. The 30’’ long columns had a floor slab of varying thickness i.e. from 3-in to 4.5-in. The slab extended beyond the column face in three directions. These column specimens were designed to study the influence of longitudinal as well as lateral steel on the strength characteristics and behavior of the floor concrete. The data from these tests combined with previously reported similar studies was analyzed to find the appropriate parameters for the estimation of apparent strength of floor concrete to be used in calculation of load carrying capacity of columns. Mechanics of material approach used for analysis of the composite materials, as proposed by Kayani in his research, was applied for the theoretical analysis of the problem. This approach, with the use of available test data, lead to an expression for the calculation of apparent floor concrete strength as under:
