Composite Slabs with Prepressed Embossments – Longitudinal Shear Resistance

Abstract

Composite slabs with prepressed embossments present an effective solution for horizontal structures. Prepressed embossments ensure composite action after hardening of concrete. Longitudinal shear failure mode typically governs if the shear resistance of embossments is not sufficient for full composite action. Mutual separation of thin-walled sheeting from concrete and its deformation inside the rib is characteristic for this failure mode. Design methods for composite slabs use full scale bending tests in several series to determine their bearing capacity. A less expensive alternative is to use small-scale shear tests to determine shear characteristics of the sheeting. This paper presents detailed numerical models of slab in shear and models of slab in bending with and without embossments. These models are compared with previously performed experiments. Key WordsComposite slab; steel sheeting; concrete; prepressed embossment; longitudinal shear; experiment; numerical model