Analysis of deflections of composite slabs with profiled sheeting up to the ultimate moment

Abstract

This paper deals with an investigation of the deflections of composite slabs. The deflection of composite slabs depends directly on the shear stiffness of the connection between profiled steel sheeting and concrete. A method for calculating deflections of slabs is presented in this paper. This method is based on a theory of built-up bars, which allows one to take into account directly the shear stiffness of the connection. Influences on the stiffness of the structure of normal cracks in the concrete layer and plastic deformations of concrete that has been subjected to compression are also taken into account in the analysis method. The method gives one an opportunity to assess variations of these factors at all stages of the slab’s behaviour from the start of loading up to the ultimate moment. Results of the experimental investigations of a connection (contact) between steel profiled sheeting (Holorib type) and concrete are presented in this paper. In the results of these investigations, three stages of behaviour of the contact are distinguished. A connection shear characteristic is determined for each stage, which is used for calculating the deflection of the slab. Experimental investigations were performed on deflections of composite slabs with a Holorib type of profiled sheeting. Variations in experimental deflections of slabs were explored from the beginning of loading up to the ultimate moment. Theoretical calculations of deflections for the experimental slabs were made. Calculations were performed according to the method proposed by the authors. A comparison of experimental and theoretical values of deflections revealed that agreement between these values was sufficiently good at all stages of the slab’s behaviour.