Centre for Civil Engineering Research and Codes (CUR)
Recommendation 86
BubbleDeck floors®
Supplementary regulations to NEN 6720:1995 (VBC 1995)*
* ) D u t c h s t a n d a r d N E N 6 7 2 0 : Te c h n i c a l p r i n c i p l e s f o r b u i l d i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n s T G B 1 9 9 0
Regulations for concrete: Structural requirements and calculation methods (VBC 1995)
New types of concrete constructions are regularly designed and realized for which no structural
requirements still exists. This is an inevitable result of innovation. While there are no requirements, rules
are being set for each project by the interested parties. It is of course undesirable that this situation
continues for a long time. CUR publishes CUR-Recommendations to fill this void in structural
requirements.
Subject of this CUR-Recommendation are concrete floors in which hollow spheres are applicated to
reduce the weight of the concrete floor.
This floor type is known under the name “BubbleDeck floor®”.
At the opinion of CUR-Regulations Committee 58 “BubbleDeck floors®” in practice enough experience
is achieved and information is available to draw up regulations for this type of concrete floor. This
information consists mainly of test results and theoretical considerations. The Committee has carried
out experimental research on shear force capacity. The information is not yet such that a uniform
answer is available for all the questions. For this reason extra margins were built in design values. Also
the scope has been restricted to floors with a total thickness of 230 mm up to and including 450 mm.
This CUR-Recommendation is drawn up by CUR-Regulations Committee 58
“BubbleDeck floors®”. At the moment of publication the composition of the Committee was as follows:
H. Ouwerkerk (chairman), D.J. Kluft, ir J.A. Bunkers, P. de Jong (secretary/reporter),
Prof. C.S. Kleinman, Prof. Dr. J.C. Walraven, J. de Wit, M. van Iperen,
C.A.J. Sterken, F.H. Middelkoop, R. Plug, J.M.H.J. Smit (co-ordinator) and Th. Monnier (mentor).
The Committee thanks ing. M.J.A. van Niekerken who up to 1 January 2001 was the co-ordinator of the
Committee.
The Recommendation has been approved by the General Regulations Committee “Concrete” and is
supported by NEN/CUR-Committee 35100109/VC20 “TGB Concrete Constructions”.
CUR Recommendations 86
Table of contents
Page
1. Subject and scope of application 3
1.1 Subject 3
1.2 Scope of application 3
2. Terms and definitions 3
3. Units and quantities 4
4. Requirements and determination methods 4
5. General conditions 4
6. Material properties 4
6.1 Concrete 4
6.1.57. Schematization and distribution of sectional forces and moments 4
7.1 Schematization 4
7.1.4.2 Proportion of flexural stiffnesses 4
7.2 Theories 4
7.2.3 Principles of quasi-linear theory of elasticity 4
8. Dimensioning and assessment 4
8.2 Shear force 4
8.2.1 Verification criterion 4
8.2.2 Design value of the shear resistance 4
8.2.3 Ultimate shear resistance 5
8.2.3.2 Cross sections loaded in flexure and normal force 5
8.2.3.3 Cross sections with limited flexural tensile resistance 5
8.2.4 Shear stress to be resisted by the reinforcement 5
8.2.5 Shear joint surfaces of composite girders and slabs 5
8.2.6 Plates subjected to in-plane loading 5
8.3 Punching shear 5
8.3.1 Verification criterion 5
8.3.2 Design value of the shear resistance 6
8.3.3 Ultimate shear resistance 6
8.3. Shear stress to be resisted by the reinforcement 6
8.6 Deflection 6
8.6.1 Verification criterion 6
8.6.2 General verification 6
8.6.3 Flexural stiffness 7
8.7 Cracking 7
9 Detailing 7
9.1 Minimum dimensions 7
9.1.7 BubbleDeck floors® 7
9.3 Fire resistance in relation to collapse 7
9.3.1 Arithmetical determination of the fire resistance 7
9.3.2 Determination of the required reinforcement distance 8
9.3.3 Verification of the shear force resistance 9
9.6 Anchorage length of reinforcing bars 10
9.6.4 Anchorage of reinforcing bars in BubbleDeck floors® 10
9.9 Minimum reinforcement 10
9.9.2.1 Minimum reinforcement 10
9.11 Detailing of the reinforcement 10
9.11.1 Plates 10
9.11.1.7 BV-girder 10
Titles of cited standards and CUR-Recommendations 11
Copyrights and liability 12
CUR Recommendations 86
1. Subject and scope of application
1.1 Subject
This CUR-Recommendation contains supplementary regulations and requirements to
NEN 6720: Technical principles for building structures TGB 1990 – Regulations for
Concrete – Structural requirements and calculation methods (VBC 1995) for BubbleDeck
floors®. The supplementary CUR-Recommendation 37 “High strength concrete” and
also CUR-Recommendation 39 “Concrete with rough light aggregates” to NEN 6720 are
not applicable.
Where in this Recommendation partially supplementary and/or deviating regulations are
given to NEN 6720, the rest of each of these articles shall remain valid as it is. Where no
supplementary and/or deviating regulations relative to certain parts of NEN 6720 are
given, NEN 6720 shall remain valid in full. Where in NEN 6720 reference is made to
another article in NEN 6720, the latter being supplemented and/or amended in this
Recommendation, in case of reference the statement in the supplemented and/or amended
article applies.
The standards NEN 5950: Regulations for concrete technology (VBT 1995):
Requirements, production and inspection, and NEN 6722: Regulations for concrete:
Construction (VBU 1998) are applicable.
1.2 Scope of application
This CUR-Recommendation applies to predominantly statically loaded BubbleDeck
floors®, with a floor thickness from 230 mm up to and including 450 mm, fitted with
reinforcement and not prestressed.
2. Terms and definitions
BubbleDeck floors®
A BubbleDeck floor® is a flat concrete slab composed of pre-fabricated reinforcement
modules where between the lower and the upper reinforcement weight-saving hollow
spherical elements are clamped. The pre-fabricated reinforcement modules can on the
bottom be fitted with a concrete filigran slab or applied directly on the mould of the
concrete floor. The reinforcement modules are connected by reinforcement bars and nets.
The floor is poured on site. It is also possible to have a fully pre-fabricated BubbleDeck
floor®.
Explanatory notes
Figure 1 is an example of a cross section of a BubbleDeck floor®.
CUR Recommendations 86
BV-girder
Single leg girder for BubbleDeck floors®.
Gross concrete cross section
Area of the cross section without taking into consideration the presence of the spheres.
Net concrete cross section
Vertical cross section in the area of the middle of the spheres.
3. Units and quantities
The units and quantities used correspond with those in NEN 6720.
4. Requirements and determination methods
No supplementary regulations.
5. General conditions
No supplementary regulations.
6. Material properties
6.1 Concrete
6.1.5 Creep coefficient
For the determination of the creep coefficient and the shrinkage apply 2/3 of the fictive
thickness of the gross concrete cross section as the fictitious thickness hm.
7. Schematization and distribution of sectional forces and moments
7.1 Schematization
7.1.4.2 Proportion of flexural stiffnesses
The calculated flexural stiffnesses EIvx and EIvy in this clause should be multiplied by
the factor 0.8.
7.2 Theories
7.2.3 Principles of quasi-linear theory of elasticity
Method b2 can also be applied for BubbleDeck floors®. The value of I should be taken
equal to the square area moment of the non-cracked gross concrete cross section. For the
determination of the fictive modulus of elasticity Ef, the reinforcing percentage should be
applied on the gross concrete cross section, so without taking the presence of spheres into
consideration. The values of Ef following table 15 are not valid for flexure in combination
with normal force. The values for flexure in combination with normal force should be
multiplied by the factor 0.9.
8. Dimensioning and assessment
8.2 Shear force
8.2.1 Verification criterion
The value of t2 should be multiplied by the factor 2/3.
8.2.2 Design value of the shear resistance
In the formula for td the value of b should be 0.3 x the width of the gross concrete cross
section.
CUR Recommendations 86
8.2.3 Ultimate shear resistance
8.2.3.2 Cross sections loaded in flexure and normal force
For the determination of s'bmd the gross concrete cross section should be applied. The
calculation of sbmd should be based on the net concrete cross section.
8.2.3.3 Cross sections with limited flexural tensile resistance
For the determination of s'bmd the gross concrete cross section should be applied.
8.2.4 Shear stress to be resisted by the reinforcement
Of the two diagonal legs of the BV-girder that form a triangle together, only one diagonal
should be applied as shear force reinforcement. Of this diagonal only 75% of the cross
section should be applied.
In the formula for ts the internal lever arm z should be maximized to the centre-to-centre
distance of the upper and lower bar of the BV-girder. For the value of q the requirements
in NEN 6720 are valid, provided that for q no bigger value than 45° should be applied.
Explanatory notes
The requirement in 8.2.4 of NEN 6720 that at least 50% of the total shear force
reinforcement should be consist of stirrups if td is bigger than 2t1, is also valid for
BubbleDeck floors®. Due to complaints about the practicality of applying stirrups it is
generally recommended to omit the spheres in areas where td is bigger than 2t1, so that
for these areas the requirements for shear stress resistance according to NEN 6720 are
valid.
8.2.5 Shear joint surfaces of composite girders and slabs
For Bubble Deck floors® where pre-fabricated filigran slabs are applied, ks = 0.8 and
kb = 0.3. If the shear force reinforcement consists of BV-girders the angle between the
diagonals of the BV-girders and the shear joint surface of the filigran slab should be
taken into consideration when determining tu. Asv in the formula tu should be multiplied
by the factor (sin a + cos a), where a is the angle between the shear joint surface and the
reinforcement bars that cross the shear joint surface. Of the two diagonal legs of the BV-
girder that form a triangle together, only one leg can be taken into consideration.
On the surface of the shear joint surface the part that is taken by the spheres should be
deducted.
8.2.6 Plates subjected to in-plane loading
This clause is not valid.
Explanatory notes
The clause concerned deals with the elementary calculation of plates subjected to
in-plane loading by normal and shear forces. The fact that this clause is not applicable
does not mean that BubbleDeck floors® cannot resist in-plane loading.
8.3 Punching shear
8.3.1 Verification criterion
In the formula for tu the contribution of ts should not be applied.
The value of t2 should to be multiplied by the factor 2/3.
Explanatory notes
There are no test results available to prove that the influence of punch reinforcement in
BubbleDeck floors® could be determined in the same way as for solid floors. The
contribution of punch reinforcement can therefore be left out of consideration. This is not a
problem because punch reinforcement is impractical and anyway by leaving some spheres
out the punch criterion can be satisfied. In this case the requirements for punch
reinforcement according to NEN 6720 are valid for the area concerned.
CUR Recommendations 86
8.3.2 Design value of the shear resistance
The values of the perimeter p from the formulaes should be multiplied by the factor 0.25.
Explanatory notes
The given factor is applicable for BubbleDeck floors® where there are spheres inside the
periphery. It is generally recommended to exclude the spheres out of this periphery to
achieve a locally solid floor where the requirements for punch according to NEN 6720 are
valid.
8.3.3 Ultimate shear resistance
For the determination of the reinforcement percentages wox and woy the gross concrete
cross section should be applied.
8.3.4 Shear stress to be resisted by the reinforcement
This clause is not valid.
8.6 Deflection
8.6.1 Verification criterion
Change the text by:
The calculation of the deflection should be carried out according to 8.6.2.
8.6.2 General verification
The given calculation method is applicable for BubbleDeck floors® under the condition
that the values of the crack moments Mr and Mrt of the gross concrete cross section are
multiplied by the factor 0.8. This reduction factor is not valid for the bends, so that these
should be determined by the crack moments of the gross concrete cross section. In
determining the bends it is allowed to consider the floor without spheres.
Explanatory notes
Figure 2 shows how to determine the M-_-diagrams.
Figure 2 Determination of the M-_-diagrams of BubbleDeck floors®.
CUR Recommendations 86
8.6.3. Flexural stiffness
This clause is not valid.
8.7 Cracking
For the determining of sb according to 8.7.1, ssr according to 8.7.3 and sb according to
8.7.4 of NEN 6720, the section factor should be equal to 75% of that of the gross
concrete cross section.
9. Detailing
9.1 Minimum dimensions
Add to the clause:
9.1.7 BubbleDeck floors®
The minimum thickness of the concrete above, underneath and between the spheres
should be at least 1/9 of the diameter of the spheres.
9.3 Fire resistance in relation to collapse
The requirements and the explanatory notes of 9.3 of NEN 6720 are not valid and have to
be replaced by a complete new clause 9.3 with the same title: “Fire resistance in relation
to collapse” and the following requirement text:
The fire resistance in relation to collapse of construction parts should be determined
arithmetical according to chapter 5 of NEN 6071, or should be determined
experimentally according to chapter 3 of NEN 6069.
Explanatory notes
Above adaptation on 9.3 will be included in the adaptation leaflet A2 of
NEN 6720 to be published.
Add to this clause:
9.3.1 Arithmetical determination of the fire resistance
In the arithmetical determination of the fire resistance according to chapter 5 of
NEN 6071 a distinction should be made for the temperature of the reinforcement bars
next to the spheres and bars situated in the solid part. For bars in the solid part apply
figure 12 of NEN 6071. For bars next to the spheres the temperature should be
determined with figure 3. The correction factors belonging to these temperatures for the
tensile strength of the reinforcement steel should be determined according to 8.2.1 of
NEN 6071. For the total of the reinforcement, the tensile strength should be equal to the
calculated average dependent on the determined design values of the tensile strengths
and the amount of steel of the bars next to the spheres and those situated in the solid
part.
CUR Recommendations 86
Figure 3 Temperature of the reinforcement next to the spheres in function of the fire time with
different reinforcement distances
(Note: the reinforcement distance according to NEN 6720 is the distance from the surface of the
concrete which is exposed to fire to the centre of the considered reinforcement bar).
Explanatory notes
Example: with a reinforcement distance of 40 mm, the temperature in the bars in the solid part after
90 minutes equals 440°C according to figure 12 of NEN 6071 and equals 500°C for the bars next to
the spheres according to figure 3 of this CUR-Recommendation. The corresponding values for the
tensile strength are respectively 344 N/mm2 and 278 N/mm2 according to figure 7 of NEN 6071. If
40% of the total reinforcement exists of bars next to the spheres than the calculated average equals
0.4 x 278 + 0.6 x 344 = 318 N/mm2.
9.3.2 Determination of the required reinforcement distance
If the reinforcement distances in table 1 are respected, then the arithmetical
determination of the fire resistance is not necessary, except for the requirement in 9.3.3.
Table 1 Determination of the reinforcement distance in relation with the fire resistance.
Required fire resistance Reinforcement distance for Reinforcement distance for
in minute bars in the solid part in mm bars next to spheres in mm
30 10 10
60 20 20
90 30 50
120 40 80
When determining the necessary reinforcement distance apply the calculated average of
both reinforcement distances.
In seams between concrete filigran slabs, the slab thickness where the slabs lie directly
against each other, should not be included in the determination of the reinforcement
distance.
Explanatory notes
Example: for a required fire resistance of 120 minutes, the required reinforcement
distance for bars in the solid part is 40 mm and for bars next to the spheres is 80 mm.
If 40% of the total reinforcement exists of bars next to the spheres, then the calculated
average equals 0.4 x 80 + 0.6 x 40 = 56 mm. This is the required reinforcement distance
of all bars if they were all situated on one level.
CUR Recommendations 86
Application of large reinforcement distances can be difficult in practice. The
reinforcement distances can be reduced by arithmetical determination according 9.3.1
of this Recommendation. In general this calculation will require in some areas of
the floor more reinforcement than the reinforcement necessary at normal temperature.
Research has proven that this ‘overdimensioning’ in general will be limited. In
verification the method of redistribution of flexural moments can be used. In this case,
it shows that ‘overdimensioning’ is even more limited or is not necessary at all.
In seams between concrete filigran slabs, it is assumed that the air can flow freely between the
slabs, so that extra measurements are necessary to get acceptable reinforcement distances. The
joining bars can be fixed on the required cover above the seam. Another possibility is the
application of a triangle edge of the slab in which concrete is poured. Figure 4 shows both
possibilities.
Figure 4 Reinforcement distances for joining bars.
9.3.3 Verification of the shear force resistance
If a fire resistance in relation to collapse of 60 minutes or more is required for the floor,
a verification calculation should be executed on shear force resistance, under fire
conditions according to NEN 6071. The contribution to the shear force resistance of the
concrete should be applied to 50% of the value of t1 according 8.2.3.3 of NEN 6720.
Explanatory notes
In contrast to the verification of shear force resistance under normal
circumstances, in case of fire possible collapse due to exceeding of the shear force
tensile resistance has to be assumed. For BubbleDeck floors only 50% of this
resistance should be taken into consideration.
CUR Recommendations 86
9.6 Anchorage length of reinforcing bars
Add to this clause:
9.6.4 Anchorage of reinforcing bars in BubbleDeck floors®
The required anchorage length according to 9.6.1 up to and including 9.6.3 of NEN
6720 has to be increased by 10% for every sphere in contact with the bar in the
anchoring area.
9.9 Minimum reinforcement
9.9.2.1 Minimum reinforcement
The section factor W should be determined for the net concrete cross section.
9.11 Detailing of the reinforcement
9.11.1 Plates
Add to this clause:
9.11.1.7 BV-girder
BV-girders that are applied as shear force reinforcement, have to meet the following
requirements:
∑ • the centre-to-centre-distance of the BV-girder should be a maximum of twice the
floor thickness;
∑ • the centre-to-centre-distance of two down running or up running diagonals should
be a maximum of 2/3 of the floor thickness;
∑ • every pair of two diagonals, existing of one up running and one down running bar,
should be welded with 2 welding points to both the lower and the upper
longitudional bar;
• the welding points with which the diagonals are attached to the lower and upper
longitudional bar should have a resistance per welding point of at least 25% of the
flow strength of the diagonal;
∑ • the bend radius of bent bars should be minimal 2.5k according to 9.5 of NEN 6720;
∑ • the distance between the edge of the floor support and the connection of the first
diagonal from the floor support with the upper longitudional bar of the BV-girder
should be maximal _ times the height of the BV-girder.
CUR Recommendations 86
Titles of cited standards and CUR-Recommendations
NEN 5950: 1995
Regulations for concrete Technology (VBT 1995). Requirements, production and inspection,
including amendment sheet A2: 1999
NEN 6069: 1991
Experimental determination of the fire resistance of building parts with correction sheet of
March 1992
NEN 6071: 1991
Arithmetical determination of the fire resistance of building parts. Concrete constructions,
including amendment sheet A1: 1997
NEN 6720: 1995
Technical principles for building constructions TGB 1990
Regulations for concrete: Structural requirements and calculation methods (VBC 1995), including
amendment sheet A2: 2001 (in preparation)
NEN 6722: 1989
Regulations Concrete. Construction (VBU 1988), with correction sheet May 1989
CUR- Recommendation 37
High Strength Concrete. Additional requirements on NEN 6720
(VBC 1990), NEN 5950 (VBT 1986) and NEN 6722 (VBU 1988)
CUR- Recommendation 39
Concrete with rough light aggregates. Additional requitements on NEN 6720 (VBC 1990), NEN
5950 (VBT 1986) and NEN 6722 (VBU 1988).
Dutch standards are publications of the Dutch Standardization Institute (NEN), Vlinderweg 6,
Postbus 5059, 2600 GB Delft (orders with NEN, sales and information department,
Tel.nr.: 0031 15 269 03 91).
CUR Recommendations 86
As an independent, non-profit making organization the CUR occupies itself with the
development, acquisation and transfer of knowledge and experience in the broad field of civil
engineering. It is characteristic that the programming and implementation of these activities are
directed by the parties who require knowledge.
CUR products are of tangible nature, and are aimed at technical, environmental and economical
aspects of the whole building process. They are presented in a form tailored to building practice:
from the building labourer to grounds for policy. CUR committees for research, legislation and
the transfer of knowledge consist of top-class experts from industry, the government and
science.
Copyrights
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording
and/or otherwise without the prior written permission of CUR. It is allowed, in accordance with
article 15a Netherlands Copyright Act 1912, to quote data from this publication in order to be
used in articles, essays and books, unless the source of the quotation, and insofar as this has
been published the name of the author, are clearly mentioned:
‘CUR-Recommendation 86 ‘BubbleDeck floors®’, December 2001, CUR, Gouda,
The Netherlands.’
Liability
CUR and all contributors to this publication have taken every possible care by the preparation of
this publication. However it can not be guaranteed that this publication is complete and/or free
of faults. The use of this publication and data from this publication is entirely for the user’s own
risk and CUR hereby excludes any and all liability for any damage which may result from the
use of this publication or data from this publication, except insofar as this damage is a result of
intentional fault or gross negligence of CUR and/or the contributors.
Gouda, December 2001
The Board of CUR
Foundation CUR, Büchnerweg 1, Postbus 420, 2800 AK Gouda (The Netherlands),
Tel.nr. 0031 182 540600
Liability for the translation
BubbleDeck Netherlands and all contributors to this translation have taken every possible care
by the preparation of this translation. However it can not be guaranteed that this translation is
complete and/or free of faults. The use of this translation and data from this translation is
entirely for the user’s own risk and BubbleDeck Netherlands hereby excludes any and all liability
for any damage which may result from the use of this translation or data from this translation,
except insofar as this damage is a result of intentional fault or gross negligence of BubbleDeck
Netherlands and/or the contributors.
Where the translation is deviating from the original Dutch text, the original Dutch text shall
remain valid in full.
Leiden, May 2003
BubbleDeck Netherlands B.V.
Admiraal Banckertweg 22, Postbox 150, 2300 AD Leiden (The Netherlands)
Tel.nr. 0031 71 521 03 56
