Precast structures often provide a higher overall safety reliability than is predicted by current design methods. This is mainly due to the fact that composite action is not sufficiently taken into account in precast assemblies. However, considerable development and knowledge exist on this subject, but clear design rules and guidelines are still lacking.
Three Working Groups of the FIP Commission on Prefabrication have been studying this matter and have cooperated to prepare a Guide to Good Practice on precast composite floor structures. The document therefore contains three main parts: general theoretical design aspects of composite action (Chapter 3); composite action between precast floors, toppings, and supporting beams (Chapters 4 and 6); and guidelines for floors composed of small precast beams, infill blocks, and topping (Chapter 5). The Chairmen of the three Working Groups were Professor J. Walraven, Professor J. Calavera, and Professor A. Sarja, who also coordinated the overall work.
The present Guide to Good Practice is the outcome of four years of intensive work. It provides engineers and precasters with practical design and calculation rules for composite action in precast structures. In this context, it represents a further contribution by FIP towards better and more economical precast construction.
Arnold Van Acker
Chairman
FIP Commission on Prefabrication
