Flexural behavior of a composite steel and precast concrete open web dissymmetric framing system

Abstract The use of composite construction has been incorporated into the design of steel components for decades, creating efficient and stiffer structures through the combined benefits of structural steel and reinforced concrete. Traditional floor systems develop composite action between vertically aligned elements using shear studs or other mechanical transfer elements. In this paper, the behavior of a composite structural system that combines steel beams, precast hollow core slabs, steel reinforcement, and cementitious grout in a unique geometry to create a shallow, monolithic, and composite floor assembly for use in residential and commercial construction is evaluated. Composite action is developed through a linear strain distribution between horizontally aligned concrete slab and steel beam elements. Experimental results from large-scale assembly testing of the composite system, known as the Girder-Slab System, are presented. The sensitivity of the system to material properties and structural geometry is investigated including effective width, section properties, and flexural strength. Comparisons of flexural section properties and strength are made between experimental performance and predictions using mechanics- and code-based principles.