This study investigates the further development of the commercially available re-entrant steel deck profile. The effects of various embossments and continuous construction are investigated through three Series of composite slab load tests. The test specimens in this study were constructed to simulate actual field construction of composite slabs as part of reinforced concrete structures. The results of this experimental study are analyzed using methods given in the ASCE Standard for the Structural Design of Composite Slabs. Recommended design procedures for the improved re-entrant profile are given and various future profile modifications are suggested. / Master of Science

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No description available.

Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

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Thesis (Ph.D.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2002. / Bibliography: leaves 231-245.

Existing reinforced concrete (RC) structure can be strengthened upon the addition of externally bonded high-strength light-weight fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. An abundance of research over the last two decades has established the effectiveness of the externally bonded FRP via extensive experimental testing. Perhaps the most commonly occurring failure mode though is premature debonding of the FRP and debonding generally occurs at strains well below the strain capacity of the FRP. Debonding failures are undesirable as they are typically brittle and represent an under-utilisation of the FRP material. A straightforward means to prevent or at least delay debonding is by the addition of mechanical anchors, however, research to date on anchors is extremely limited. Of the various anchor concepts examined to date by researchers, this dissertation will focus on anchors made from FRP which are herein referred to as FRP anchors. The details and results of a program of research on the performance of FRP anchors in FRP-strengthened structures are presented in this dissertation. An extensive review of exiting literature helps establish knowledge gaps which serve to justify the need and the scope of the research reported herein. A novel bow-tie FRP anchor concept is then proposed and tested in smaller-scale single-shear FRP-to-concrete joint assemblages as well as larger-scale simply-supported FRP-strengthened RC slabs. The anchors are shown to increase the strength and slip capacity of the joints by up to 41 % and almost 600 %, respectively, in comparison with unanchored control joints. The anchors are then shown to increase the load and deflection capacity of slabs by 30 % and 110 %, respectively, above an unanchored control slab. In addition to strength, it is the ability of FRP anchors to introduce deformability into FRP-strengthened RC slabs which is particularly beneficial in order to produce safer structures. An analytical model is then developed which is based on a novel quad-linear moment-curvature response which can capture the complete load-deflection response of the FRP-strengthened slabs anchored with FRP anchors. The analytical modeling approach enables closed-form equations to be derived which can then be used by design engineers to relatively easily construct load-deflections responses and accurately predict member responses. Following the concluding comments for the project as a whole, future research topics of relevance are identified. / published_or_final_version / Civil Engineering / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Physics / Master / Master of Philosophy

No description available.

Thesis (M.Eng.(Transportation Engineering)--University of Pretoria, 2001. / Summaries in Afrikaans and English. Includes bibliographical references.