COMPOSITE STEEL CONCRETE BEAMS AND SHEER LOADING

My dissertation paper explored steel-concrete beams under sheer loading. Current codes of practice do not acknowledge the contributions of the slab when it comes to designing for the shear strength in composite beams, only the capacity of the steal is considered. In addition, codes of practice do not take into account the effects of shear slip at the interface either. This very fact is what drew me to this topic. In my dissertation I look at four research papers that explore these two facts. All the papers are at one in concluding that the slab does contribute significantly to the shear strength properties of a composite beam and therefore current codes of practice produce conservative strength estimates. This is not efficient in terms of design, cost, and use of material. It is also clear that the shear slip affects the deflection. If it is not taken into account, deflection is always underestimated.

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One of the research papers looked at in my literature review was worked on by Dr George Vasdravellis who was also my dissertation adviser. Dr Vasdravellis and his colleague Brian Uy conducted an experiment testing 14 composite beams and a steel beam. The beams were all different spans so that when subject to loading, some experienced flexural failure and others shear failure. I replicated this experiment on LUSAS Modeller but with only 10 composite beams and a steel beam. I was able produce a similar pattern of  results to Dr Vasdravellis and Uy. I arrived to the same conclusion highlight in their paper of the significant contribution that the slab has in composite beams. 

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This project greatly developed my proficiency in researching and individual learning. I was able develop a technical skill in learning how to use the LUSAS Modeller software. This research also help me gain better understanding into the nature of structural material properties.