Nonlinear Model of an Additional Concrete Head and its Comparison with Long-Term Measurements

An additional concrete head or drop panels are not common solutions for strengthening flat slabs and have not yet been an adequately studied solution in the field of laboratory research. The investigation of drop panels in a laboratory is quite complicated, so that an examination directly at a construction site could be a better solution. Long-term measurement sensors were installed inside a concrete drop panel, which is on the bottom surface of a flat slab. Gauging was performed during various loading situations, including the loading of heavy machines, the ambient temperature load, and a uniformly distributed load. Results from the measurements are given in comparison with analytical models, which have been studied with respect to the influence of shrinkage and the bond-slip behaviour of a reinforcement.