Performance of Composite Concrete T-Beams Cast in Steel Channels with Headed Studs of Various Lengths and Dimensional Proportions

Abstract

The observations and digital interpreted results of four simply supported composite reinforced concrete T-beams with steel channels tested up to failure under four-point loading conditions simulating approximately the central 1-m uniformly distributed load, are reported and discussed. Three of those beams were provided with headed studs. The variables were the headed stud shank length relative to the flange width of the steel channel and the breadth of the T-section beam, in addition to the existence or absence of shear connectors. The first beam was destitute of headed studs; while the three other beams were provided with headed studs of moderate length (equal to the steel channel flange width), 30% longer length, and 30% shorter length, beam. The beam with headed studs of moderated lengths has revealed substantial preeminence-of diverse numerical values in the respects of flexural stiffness, ductility and ultimate resistance, relative-slip constraint, and integrity characteristics for which mechanically-based argumentation is set forth. In spite of the concrete confinement in the zone of the steel channel, drastic drops in levels of the integrity and the ultimate bending resistance occurred when shear connectors were eliminated.