Keywords: composite beam deformed decking floor, openings, ultimate load, load deflection, load-slip, three-dimensional finite element, non-linearity.

This paper investigates the structural influence of opening locations in composite beam flanges with a deformed decking floor. The current study is based on a nonlinear three dimensional finite element simulation. The model has been validated by composite beam testing data. Close agreement has been observed between the finite element analysis and the experimental results for ultimate load capacity, load-deflection and load-slip response.

Openings have the potential to reduce composite beam capacities and greatly affect the moment resistance of the whole composite structure. In this paper, the focus is on modelling the composite beam with openings where the openings are asymmetrical and symmetrical on the z-axis only.

Xiao et al. [1] studied composite beams with openings in slabs and introduced the plastic analysis for calculating the moment resistance of composite beam. Baharom and Xiao [2] have already carried out numerical investigation on composite beams with symmetrical openings (in the x-axis) in ribbed decking slabs. Numerical modelling has been carried out of which all the main structural parameters and associated material nonlinearities have been included (concrete and steel decking). The main parameter investigated in this study is the location of the openings.

It has been found that the ultimate load of composite beams is greatly influenced when there are two openings symmetrical on the x-axis at a central position on the beam. It has also been shown that there is a significant effect on the ultimate load of the composite beam when there are openings, one at a central position and one at the edge position. However, there is no influence on the beam stiffness when the two openings are cut either on the same flanges or on different flanges of the composite beam. Based on the results predicted by numerical analysis it has been suggested that the openings should be located at the distance of L/4 from the end of the beam. It can be concluded that, openings in composite beams with deformed decking slabs should be dealt with carefully when designing their locations.

1

Xiao R.Y., Dibb-Fuller D. and Wood G.A., "Opening in Composite-Slab-Design Implication", Journal of Constructional Steel Research, Vol. 46:1-3, Paper No 354, 1998. doi:10.1016/S0143-974X(98)00195-3

2

Baharom S. and Xiao R.Y., "Finite Element Modeling of Composite Beam With Opening In Ribbed Decking Slab", Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Steel and Aluminum Structure, Oxford, UK, Paper No 066, pp. 465-472, July 2007.

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