Probabilistic analysis of cracking in concrete floor slabs under seismic loading and interactions with Power Actuated Fasteners (PAF)

Abstract

Power Actuated Fasteners (PAFs) are commonly used in construction for non-structural applications like fixing electrical components or installing drywall partitions mounted on either side of concrete floor slabs in seismic and non-seismic regions today. They are known for their efficiency and cost-effective installation process. However, the behavior of PAFs under seismic conditions is not fully understood, and there is a lack of seismic qualification criteria for such systems. This paper presents a probabilistic analysis of cracking in concrete slabs assuming seismic design situations and interactions with PAF. For this investigation, a model was programmed to predict the expected crack pattern due to various limit states. The model integrates a large database of standard materials and allows for various geometric and material configurations of the concrete slab, reinforcement steel, and boundary conditions. The calculation of the cracks is based on widely acknowledged equations, in line with Eurocode 2. These are then integrated into stochastic models with randomly generated parameters as input for iterations assuming common concrete floor slab configurations. The assumed boundary conditions under various load conditions, are linked to earthquake situations and they provide insights into the interaction between PAF fixtures and cracks in concrete slabs. The investigation was concluded by conducting trials against two specific limit states: Diaphragm shear strength and steel yielding in shear. The results of the investigation revealed a range of crack widths that occurred as a result of applying these limit states, which may be considered for future seismic pre-qualification testing of PAF.