The level of axial forces in the roof structural elements of the precast structures can be high
due to the horizontal diaphragm effect.
Currently, the connections between elements are made with shear studs that prevent
sliding between the parallel surfaces of the elements in contact. According to the Safecast project,
carried out at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, the resistance of this
type of connection is quite small.
We studied the possibility of connecting the elements using “force collectors” – metal boxes
to which the roof elements are connected – so that the forces are transmitted between
the elements only through mechanisms of tension and compression.