Prestressed ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) beams for reusable structural systems: design and testing

With the aim to reduce environmental footprint of buildings, this paper presents an original structural system concept for two-way slabs in residential and office buildings. The proposed extends best practice terms modularity, versatility, demountability, reusability, durability. A finite set elements can be used form main load-bearing multiple successively constructed buildings having different unpredicted layouts static systems. Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) was identified as one most promising materials application because its high strength, extreme durability opportunities it opens shape optimization material consumption reduction. In first part contribution, features new preliminary design assumptions UHPC modules are briefly outlined. Then, authors present discuss results experimental campaign on prestressed beams that were tested bending shear, under service ultimate load conditions. Beams with transversal openings web also assess influence these cracking behavior shear strength beams. Experimental provide useful information subsequent modeling system. Thanks presence fibers, only have a limited response beams, thus allowing horizontal technical shafts pass through thickness slab.