Precast concrete hollow core slabs in fire

Following concerns expressed in the media in relation to the performance of hollow core slabs in fire two full-scale fire tests have been carried out at BRE’s Cardington test facility. The objectives of the experimental programme were to assess the adequacy of this form of construction in terms of the functional requirements of Approved Document B of the Building Regulations. This paper explains the background to the work, describes the test parameters in some detail and summarises the main results and conclusions from the project.

Tom Lennon, BEng (Hons), BA (Hons)
Principal Consultant, The Building Research Establishment, Garston, Watford, WD25 9XX