Longitudinal shear bond strength of profiled deck composite slab: An experimental and analytical investigation

Abstract

In recent years, composite slabs with concrete topping and profiled/ re-entrant decking sheets have gained popularity as they are faster, more economical, and lightweight construction techniques. In a composite floor, profiled/re-entrant decking sheets serve a dual purpose: they serve as permanent formwork during the construction phase and as main reinforcement after the concrete topping has hardened. Horizontal shear bond strength is a crucial parameter in the design of the composite floor. Presently, the m-k and PSC methods are the most commonly used techniques to calculate the horizontal shear bond strength of the composite slab. In this study, four full-scale composite slabs were cast and tested for four distinct shear spans under four-point loading conditions. The influence of shear span was investigated. Short and long shear span specimens were investigated. Three alternative approaches (the modified partial shear connection method, the force equilibrium method, and the composite beam partial shear connection method) were adopted to evaluate the horizontal shear bond strength of the profiled deck composite slab. Load- displacement behavior, horizontal shear bond strength, and failure modes were used to assess the structural performance of composite slab specimens. The results of all three methods were compared. The horizontal shear bond stress evaluated by the slenderness and force equilibrium methods were in close agreement, whereas the composite beam partial shear connection method approach may underestimate the longitudinal shear bond strength, but it may still be employed as an alternative method.