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Investigation of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Structures
KTH, School of Architecture and the Built Environment (ABE), Civil and Architectural Engineering, Concrete Structures.
KTH, School of Architecture and the Built Environment (ABE), Civil and Architectural Engineering, Concrete Structures.
2024 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
Abstract [en]

In recent years, numerous failures have been reported in the UK involving buildings constructed with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) elements. Roof components made of this type of concrete have collapsed in several instances, aff ecting structures such as schools and hospitals. As a result, more than 150 schools and hospitals have had to be closed down for safety reasons in the UK. Cases of corrosion, major cracking and splitting of the elements have also been observed. These types of failures for lightweight concrete structures have so far not been observed in Sweden. In order to prevent these problems in advance from also occurring in Sweden, the concern regarding future problems with these structures has begun to be recognized. This report aims to investigate whether there is a risk that RAAC structures in Sweden also will be exposed to the types of failure and collapse already seen in the UK. Furthermore, this report intends to propose structural remedial measures in order to minimize this risk. Potential causes of the observed failures and defects were identified and analyzed through previous reports on the subject, discussions with experts and conclusions drawn based on available information. Additionally, several case studies were conducted where specific cases of failures or defects of RAAC structures had been observed. Calculations were made for a roof element of RAAC and another one of conventional concrete, using appropriate standards. The results showed that the density, self-weight and compressive strength of RAAC are strongly influenced by the amount of water penetrated into the concrete. However, it was found that the risk of shear failure, due to water ingress into the RAAC element, was very small. Lasty, it was concluded, based on the calculations, that a greater support length was required for the RAAC element compared to the conventional concrete element in order to resist splitting. However, it was assumed that such a small support length was not likely when the RAAC elements were installed. The conclusions drawn from other available information were that overloading, in the form of rainwater accumulation on RAAC roof elements, could be a potential source of failure, but is probably a greater problem in the UK than in Sweden. Other potential sources of failure were water ingress into the elements due to deterioration of the waterproofing layer, reduced bearing length over time, corrosion of the tensile reinforcement and incorrect reinforcement anchorage. To avoid the above-mentioned sources of failure, it is of great importance that the roof elements are properly maintained and inspected at regular intervals. Regarding corrosion of the reinforcement, lime can be applied on exposed reinforcement bars in existing slabs in order to retard the corrosion process. In case of excessive damage to the roof elements, the only significant long-term measure is to completely replace the damaged roof elements and replace them with roof elements of a different material. Alternatively, new RAAC panels can be installed, but it must be ensured that the measures proposed in this report, and/or others, are implemented before, during and after construction. Until the RAAC elements have been replaced or damage of sufficient severity has developed, a number of different temporary measures can be implemented in the meantime. Some examples of these are extended end hearing by implementing steel angles or reduced span of the concrete elements by installing wooden joists or steel beams underneath the concrete elements, connected to the frame of the structure.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2024.
Series
TRITA-ABE-MBT ; 24375
National Category
Engineering and Technology
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-349020OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kth-349020DiVA, id: diva2:1879412
External cooperation
Tyréns AB
Supervisors
Examiners
Available from: 2024-06-28 Created: 2024-06-28

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