Experimental and numerical investigation of the flexural behavior of shallow floor composite beams

Abstract

This article summarizes a research campaign on the flexural behavior of a certain type of slim floor beam, generally known as Deltabeam. Seven (7) full-scale composite specimens with various cross-sections were tested under three-point sagging bending up to large displacements to test the robustness of the system. Experimental load–displacement curves, slip values and damage patterns are reported and compared with those obtained from non-linear FE analyses using the finite element analysis code ABAQUS. The tests showed that the ductility and robustness of beams, which are important properties for the design of flexural members, depend not only on the classification of the steel plated parts under compression, but also on the ability of the concrete section outside the steel beam to sustain large strains without stress reduction. The importance of appropriate detailing, and especially confinement of the concrete, and its influence on the performance of Shallow Floor-beams under large displacements is revealed by the results.