Fire damage of RC slab structure of a shopping center

• Published in: Engineering failure analysis 2019-03, Vol.97, p.53-60
• Main Authors: Knyziak, Piotr, Kowalski, Robert, Krentowski, Janusz R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Concrete spalling; Damage assessment; Fire damage; Precast; Reconstruction
• ISSN: 1350-6307; 1873-1961
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfailanal.2018.12.002

The investigation carried out due to the failure of a shopping center as the result of fire is presented. The fire started inside waste material stored on the unloading ramp, then developed as a result of the burning of Styrofoam insulation along the building walls. Damage from the fire took a section of the reinforced slab above the ramp on which the parking lot was located. The elements of the beam-and-slab floor were partially destroyed. Precast panels of “filigree” lost adhesion to the concrete overlay formed in situ. On-site inspection and evaluation of the degree of structural element damage were undertaken. The various concepts for repair methods for the significantly damaged structural elements were considered. The support by the use of additional steel structure was suggested as more efficient than the partial replacement of the damaged slab with new structure. In the case of another fire the steel bar structure also had to be protected by claddings (using spray method or curtains made of plasterboard). The cost of repairs was not the most important factor in this case. Much more important was to bring the structure to safe use for a long time as soon as possible.