Abstract—Composite steel-concrete beams are common structural members used in floor systems and are evaluated by well known procedures. Evaluation of composite member flexural strength requires an expectation of strain transfer between the two materials, however, perfect transfer does not occur, therefore, predictions of flexural strength may not be consistent with measured. Composite beam test demonstrations conducted at the Pennsylvania State University on identically constructed members have revealed that composite beams fail before reaching predicted strength. Observations of failed composite beams include longitudinal cracking of the concrete slab and interlayer slip between the concrete slab and the steel beam. This paper presents laboratory test results and analyzes the ultimate flexural strength of the tested composite beams using currently available methods and compares to observed behavior. Additionally, simplified finite element models of the composite beam were developed with results also compared to the data obtained from the tests. Based on the results of these analyses, recommendations for design are made that allow accurate determination of composite beam flexural strength. 

Index Terms—composite-beam, shear studs, steel-concrete

Cite: David Leaf and Jeffrey A Laman, "Testing and Analysis of Composite Steel-Concrete Beam Flexural Strength," International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 90-103, August 2013.