Experimental tests of steel balcony connections – Part 1

Paper presents theoretical analysis and results of experimental tests of three prefabricated balcony sets in natural scale with dimensions (width x length x height): 2.0 m x 2.78 m x 0.186 m (in a slope to 0.17 m) and one with dimensions: 2.0 m x 2.78 m x 0.2 m, consists of reinforced concrete slabs connected with each other with steel balcony connections. The impact of variable parameters (elongation of anchorage of balcony connections in ceiling slab, concreting of test elements in two stages, using of muffs as couplers to connect the longitudinal reinforcement bars in balcony sets and different height of the balcony slab) on the load bearing capacity of the elements are analysed. In the paper also the test stand was described. During the experimental tests, the crack morphology was determined, displacements and crack widths were measured. The paper contains a review of the scientific papers in the field of balcony connections.