An Analysis of the Behavior of a Composite Steel-concrete Beam
Open Access
- Author:
- Leaf, David Christopher
- Area of Honors:
- Civil Engineering
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Jeffrey A Laman, Thesis Supervisor
Patrick Reed, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Engineering
Civil
Structural
Composite
Beam
SAP2000
Steel
Concrete
Slab
AISC - Abstract:
- Composite steel-concrete beams are common structural members. Among the many applications, composite beams are typically used in floor systems. The Pennsylvania State University conducts composite beam test demonstrations for educational purposes. In the demonstrations, a composite beam is subjected to flexure only. Before each test, the ultimate strength of the composite beam is predicted using the design specifications provided by the American Institute of Steel Construction. During the test, the composite beam has been observed to fail before it reaches its predicted strength. Longitudinal cracking of the concrete slab and interlayer slip have also been observed. These observations have been consistently made. Several complete sets of data have been maintained from these tests. This paper analyzes the ultimate strength of the composite beam using currently available methods. Partial composite action is considered. Additionally, finite element models of the composite beam were developed and analyzed using SAP2000. The analyses are compared to the data obtained from the test demonstrations. Based on the results of these analyses, recommendations for design considerations have been made which will allow the full strength of a composite beam to be achieved.