Abstract
The aim of this paper is to understand the structural behaviour of composite slabs. These composite slabs are made of steel and different kinds of concrete. The methodology used in this paper combines experimental studies with advanced techniques of numerical simulations. In this paper, four types of concrete were used in order to study their different structural strengths in composite slabs. The materials used were three lightweight concretes, a normal concrete, and a cold conformed steel deck which has embossments to increase the adherence between concrete and steel. Furthermore, two lengths of slabs were studied to compare structural behaviours between short and long slabs. m-k experimental tests were carried out to obtain the flexural behaviour of the composite slabs. These tests provide dimensionless coefficients to compare different sizes of slabs. Nonlinear numerical simulations were performed by means of the finite element method (FEM). Four different multilinear isotropic hardening laws were used to simulate the four concretes. Coulomb friction contact was used to model the coefficient of friction between steel and concrete. Finally, a chemical bond was included to consider sliding resistance in the contact surface between steel and concrete. Experimental and numerical results are in good agreement; therefore, numerical models can be used to improve and optimize lightweight composite slabs.
Highlights
Composite slabs are made up of a thin steel sheet and concrete
The results show the low influence of the chemical bond between concrete and steel, while embossments, coefficient of friction, and mechanical connectors guarantee suitable interaction between concrete and steel
A numerical and experimental comparison is presented in order to validate numerical simulations as well as obtain a good agreement between numerical models and experimental tests
Summary
Composite slabs are made up of a thin steel sheet and concrete. (i) Implementation phase, in which the steel sheet works as a framework. In this phase, the steel sheet must withstand transmitted loads of fresh concrete. (ii) Service phase, in which concrete and steel work together to support stress. Efficiency of the composite slab depends on the interaction between the concrete layer and the steel sheet. New composite slabs made up of steel deck and lightweight concrete are studied. Composite slabs are efficient and versatile elements [2, 3], but the advantages of composite slabs made of lightweight concrete (LWC) and steel make them especially suitable for industrial applications [4]
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