Nonlinear finite element analysis of steel-concrete composite slabs using explicit dynamics procedure

Abstract

Composite slab construction using permanent cold-formed steel decking has become one of the most economical and industrialized forms of flooring systems in modern building structures. Structural performance of the composite slab is affected directly by the horizontal shear bond phenomenon at steel-concrete interface layer. This study utilizes 3D nonlinear finite element quasi-static analysis technique through explicit dynamics procedure to analyze the shear bond damage and fracture mechanics of the composite slabs. Cracking of the plain concrete over the corrugated steel deck has been modeled considering the mixed modes fracture mechanisms by means of concrete damaged plasticity model available in ABAQUS software version 6.9. The interface layer damage was simulated with cohesive elements presented in ABAQUS software considering three modes of fracture. Cohesive fractures properties such as fracture energy and initiation stress have been derived from horizontal shear stress versus end slip curves which were extracted from bending test of a series of small scale specimens. The proposed model is verified through comparison with experimental data which demonstrated that the results of the numerical analyses match with valid experimental results. Therefore these calibrated and validated models can predict the structural response of steelconcrete composite slabs. This will reduce the cost of empirical works which in accordance with present design specifications are mandatory in order to investigate the behavior and load bearing capacity of such structural systems.