Finite Element Analysis of Steel-Concrete Interface in Slim Floor Composite Beams

Abstract

Slim Floor Systems are composite beams where concrete slab is placed under steel I beam bottom flange, and the concrete covers the whole beam. It increases considerably the system’s bending resistance, fire resistance and reduces the composite beam high. Instead, the connection between the steel and the concrete must be considered carefully, because shear connectors usually are not used in Slim Floor systems. This research analyzed connection steel-concrete by finite element analysis. This interface was simulated using springs and contact elements in software ANSYS, considering adequately steel and concrete properties. Comparison with experimental data available in literature indicated that both methods are suitable to simulate steel-concrete interaction in composite structures.