The inclusion of trapezoidal types of steel decking in the shear connection of composite beams has been found to significantly reduce their maximum strength and ductility by causing premature concrete-related failure modes. In order to investigate the complex behaviour and various load-transfer mechanisms that can occur in composite beams incorporating this type of connections, a total of 91 carefully-designed push-out tests were performed. Specific failure modes in conventionally reinforced specimens were initially induced by varying critical parameters. Specimens incorporating specific stud reinforcing devices were subsequently tested to suppress the undesirable failure modes. The concrete reinforcing and stud performance-enhancing devices, which included novel waveform-type reinforcement elements and spiral wire or ring components surrounding individual studs in secondary composite beams and special haunch reinforcement in primary beam applications, significantly delayed the onset and reduced the effect of the premature concrete-related failure modes. Hence, they increased the ultimate strength and ductility of the shear connection. The findings of the small-scale push-out tests were also verified in two full-scale composite beam tests which showed good agreement in shear connection behaviour and failure mode. Most of the design approaches currently used around the world take into account the weakening effect of trapezoidal types of decking by applying a reduction factor to the nominal strength that the same connection would have in a solid slab. From the test results, it is evident that not every shear connection incorporating steel decking, and within the limits of the associated standards, can be classified as ductile. A new and more reliable design approach is proposed which also incorporates the application of the various stud reinforcing devices. The key element of this design approach is to classify the anticipated connection behaviour, in regards to its deformation capacity, into ductile or brittle connections, hence ensuring satisfactory shear connection behaviour where the new types of trapezoidal steel decking are used. A reliability analysis of the new proposal is presented which enables the application of this new approach in accordance with AS 2327.1 (Standards Australia 2003). It is calibrated to provide a reliability index similar to stud applications currently in use. Simple strength reduction factors for the types of trapezoidal steel decking available in Australia are also provided which can be applied to the current solid slab shear connection strength for a fast and simplified design. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/204261 |
| Date | January 2006 |
| Creators | Ernst, Stefan, University of Western Sydney, College of Health and Science, School of Engineering |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
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