COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

COURSE NOTES AND WORKED EXAMPLES

Authors:
Gelu Danku, PhD, Eng.
Adrian Ciutina, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Eng.

Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1. Composite beams and slabs
The design of structures for buildings and bridges is mainly concerned with the
provision and support of load bearing horizontal surfaces. Despite the great advantages of
reinforced concrete ( a good combination of low cost and high strength, etc.) at spans of
more than about 10 m steel beams become cheaper than concrete beams, to support the
concrete slab.

Fig.1. Composite beams layout

By about 1950 the development of shear connectors (conectori de forfecare) had

made practicable to connect the concrete slab to the steel beam. The term "composite
beams" used in this course refers to this type of structure. To illustrate the concept of
composite beam we consider a beam consisting of two parts acting first separately (a) or
compositely (b).

(a)

(b)
Fig.2. Non-composite and composite beam

For the non-composite beam (a) the load will be shared between the two parts
with each deforming in bending, generating separately the typical linear variation of
elastic strain over its own depth (height). Now consider the same beam but with
continuity preserved along the longitudinal interface (b), both parts respond now as a
unit. Bending strains will vary also linearly, but over the entire depth of the beam, with
the neutral axis to the combined section (steel - concrete) corresponding to the position of
0 strains. Moreover since no horizontal slip will occur at the interface vertical lines drawn

on the depth of the section before loading will remain as single an continuous lines after
deformation.
The composite beams are more efficient structurally because they develop smaller
deflections and strains than the non-composite beams.

Fig3. Horizontal slip prevented by the connectors, in composite beam

The deflection in the composite beam c is only 25 % from the non-composite

beam:
c=0.25s
and in terms of strain:

:= 0.5 s
In composite beams the steel beam is designed to act with a part of the slab,
preventing the slip at the interface, using the shear connectors.
The main typical cross-sections of composite beams are:
a) composite beam with full slab
b) composite beam with ribbed slab having the ribs perpendicular to the steel
beam
c) composite beam with ribbed slab, having the ribs parallel to the steel beam
c

The composite floor slabs are constructed from ribbed profiles and concrete slab.
The slabs are cast on permanent steel formwork which acts first as a working platform
and than after hardening of concrete it works as a bottom reinforcement for slab. This
formwork is called profiled steel sheeting and these floors are called composite slabs.
1.2. Composite columns
First the columns from steel frames were encased in concrete only to protect them
from fire, without considering the influence of this concrete at the column strength. Then
it was realized that the encasement reduces the effective slenderness of the column and
increases the buckling load of the column.
Eurocode 4 deals with 3 main typical cases of composite columns:
a) partially encased in concrete

b) totally encased in concrete

c) steel tubes filled with concrete

Chapter 2 BASES OF DESIGN

Note: All the calculations presented in these course notes are made in accordance to
Eurocode 4, referred to as Design of Composite Steel and Concrete Structures.
2.1. Actions
Actions are classified in Eurocode 1 as:
- direct actions: forces or loads applied to the structure;
- indirect actions: deformations imposed to the structure caused by settlement of
foundations, change of temperature, shrinkage of concrete.
We discuss about 3 main types of actions:
a) permanent (G), called also dead loads: ex. self-weight of structure;
b) variable (Q), called also live loads: ex. loads from snow, wind, earthquake,
imposed loads;
c) accidental (A): ex. explosions, impact of a vehicle.
The actions are represented by characteristic values (valori normate):
- for permanent actions Gk
- for variable actions Qk
For the combination of actions Eurocode 1 uses factors of combination noted with
i
The design values of actions (valori de calcul ale actiunilor) :
- for permanent actions:

Gd := G Gk
- for variable loads:

Qd := Q Qk
Where G, Q are partial safety factors for actions.
Eurocode 4 works with 2 main limit states:
- ULS - ultimate limit state, which is associated to structural failure;

- SLS - serviceability limit state, associated to excessive deformations, vibrations,

cracking of concrete, etc.
Practically in ULS is made the strength calculation, while in SLS is made the
rigidity (deformations) calculation.
In ULS : G = 1.35
Q = 1.5
In SLS : G = Q = 1.0
2.2. Checks performed for an ultimate limit state
The general verification relation is:

S d Rd
where Sd is the internal force or moment (N); in other words it is the internal stress from
the static calculus. Rd is the corresponding design resistance; the stress from strength
calculus.

:=

with

N Rd := A R

R :=

fy
a

The resistance Rd is calculated using the design values of properties of the material:
Xk
Xd :=

where Xk is the characteristic value of the property and M a partial safety factor of the
material.
Material
Property
Symbol for
M
ULS
SLS

Structural
steel
fy

Reinforcement
steel
fsk

Profiled steel
sheeting
fyp

fck

Shear
connectors
fsk

ap

1.10
1.00

1.15
1.00

1.10
1.00

1.5
1.00

1.25
1.00

Concrete

Where fy, fyp - yield strengths

fsk - characteristic yield strength
fck - characteristic compressive strength measure on cylinder
Example: - for mild steel

f y := 235

a := 1.1
fy
f d :=
a

N
mm

f d :=

235
1.1

f d = 213.636

N
mm

2.3. Combinations of actions

Principles - permanent actions are present in all combinations;
- each variable action is chosen in term to be the "leading action" and it is
combined with lower combination values of other relevant variable action;
- the design action in fact is the most unfavorable of those calculated by
this process.
Example: It is assumed that a member is subjected to bending, the design bending
moment Md is given by: its own weight G, an imposed vertical load Q1 and the wind load
Q2.
The fundamental combinations of actions are:
a)
G x Gk + Q,1 x Qk,1 + Q,2 x 0,2 x Qk,2
b)

G x Gk + Q,1 x 0,1 x Qk,1 + Q,2 x Qk,2

Where G, Q,1 are partial safety factors for actions;

0,i is a combination factor.
In practice it is obvious which combination will govern:
- for low-rise buildings wind is rarely critical so combination (a) will be used;
- for long span lightweight roof wind is important, so combination (b) will be
considered, taking both positive and negative wind pressure.
Eurocode 4 permits the use of simplified combinations. For the example above, assuming
Q1 is more adverse that Q2 these combinations are:
G x Gk + Q,1 x Qk,1
and
G x Gk + 0,9 ( Q,1 x Qk,1 + Q,2 x Qk,2)

CHAPTER III - MATERIALS USED IN COMPOSITE

CONSTRUCTIONS
Any member must be calculated from strength and rigidity point of view. The
strength calculation is made with the so-called global analysis, which means the
determination of internal stresses (bending moments, shear forces, axial forces etc.) to use
this analysis all three main materials: concrete, structural steel and reinforcing steel, are
assumed to behave in a linear-elastic manner.
3.1. Concrete

Strength classes Eurocode 4 works with the strength classes given in Eurocode
2. (e.g. a typical strength class for concrete used in composite structures is
C25/30, where the first number is cylinder strength of concrete at compression

measured at an age of 28 days; the second number represents also the compressive
strength of concrete but measured on cube)
f ck := 25

[N/mm2]

f cu := 30

In our course we'll work with fck. Eurocode 4 gives also for each strength class:
- the mean tensile strength fctm
- the characteristic tensile strength with upper and lower 5% fractile fctk,0.05,
fctk,0.095

The secant modulus of elasticity Eurocode 4 gives the values of mean secant
modulus Ecm function the strength classes and the type of concrete (density).
- for C25/30 Ecm=30.5 kN/mm2, for normal weight concrete, with density =2400
kg/m3
- for lightweight concrete with the density of =1900 kg/m3, Ecm must be
calculated:

2400

E cm := 30.5

Modular ratio - in design we have to take into account the important effect of the
concrete creep to the member deformation. This is taken into account replacing
the concrete area Ac with an equivalent area Ac/n, where n is the modular ratio.
- n is calculated with the formula:

n :=
where

Ea
Ec'

Ea - elastic modulus for structural steel

Ec' - "effective" modulus for concrete, function the duration of the loading:

Ec' := Ecm

Ec' :=
Ec' :=

Ecm

for short term actions

for long term actions

3
Ecm

for other cases

kN
30.5
= 15.25
2
2
mm
kN
E a := 210
2
mm
Ea
n :=
= 13.77
Ec'

Exemplu: Ec' :=

3.2. Reinforcing Steel

In all calculations we use the characteristic yield strength for reinforcing fsk given
separately for ribbed bars and for welded mesh. The modulus of elasticity Es=Ea=210
kN/mm2.
3.3. Structural steel
The yield strength fy and the ultimate tensile strength fu are given function the
steel grades. For our examples we shall work with the mild steel having fy=235 N/mm2
and fu=360 N/mm2. The modulus of elasticity Ea=210 kN/mm2.
3.4. Profiled steel sheeting
EUROCODE 4 recommends a minimum thickness for sheeting of 0.75 mm
(usually approx. 1mm). The yield strength for sheeting is fyp=235...460 N/mm2. The
sheets are protected from corrosion by a Zn coating on each face. All the elastic
properties are identical as for structural steel.

CHAPTER IV COMPOSITE BEAMS

The concept of composite beams refers to the members composed from a concrete
slab (full or ribbed) connected with shear connectors to the steel beam.
4.1. Effective width of concrete flange
We assume we have a composite floor composed of steel beams of multiple spans
and situated at distance Bi, and a concrete slab.

Fig.3. Distribution of stresses in continuous composite beams

As we have seen at theory of elasticity the compressive stresses in the concrete

slab aren't uniform in the longitudinal section A-A. The stresses are maximum at the
supports and decrease towards the middle bay. To study the floor as an ensemble of
independent T beams it must be considered an effective width of slab where an uniformly
distribution of compressive stresses can be accepted.
b1 + b2 := beff

The effective width is beff := b i = b1 + b2

Bi L0
,
2 8

bi := min

where bi is the effective width of

the concrete slab on each side from
the center line of the steel web.

L0 is the distance between 2 consecutive points of 0 bending moment.

Bi is the bay.

For the simply supported beam L0=L.

For the continuous beam - both positive and negative effective widths should be
calculated function the distances L0 given in the following figure:

Fig.4. Distribution of bending moments assumed in the calculation of the effective width of the composite
cross-section

Examples:

Case 1:
L := 12 m
B1 := 2.5 m

Case 2:
L1 := 15 m
B := 3 m
L0 := 0.8 L1 = 12 m

L0 := L
B2 := 4 m

B1 L0
, = 1.25 m
2 8
B2 L0
b2 := min
, = 1.5 m
2 8
b1 := min

beff := b1 + b2 = 2.75 m

B L0
, = 1.5 m
2 8

b1 := min
b2 := b1
beff

pos

:= 2 1.5 = 3 m

L 2 := 10 m
B := 3 m
L0 := 0.25 L1 + L2 = 6.25 m
B L0
b1 := min , = 0.781 m
2 8

b2 := b1
beff

neg

:= 2 b1 = 1.563 m

4.2. Classification of the cross-section (CS) of composite beams

Similarly to the classification made in Eurocode 3, Eurocode 4 defines four
classes of the CS:
Class 1: The CS which can form a plastic hinge, and a significant plastic moment with the
rotation capacity required for plastic analysis.
Class 2: The CS which can develop plastic moment but have a limited rotation capacity.
Class 3: The CS in which the design stress in the extreme compressed fiber of the steel
member can reach its yield strength fy, but local buckling prevents the development of the
plastic moment Mpl.Rd.
Class 4: The CS is subjected to local buckling, which appears in the extreme compressed
fiber of the steel member before the yield strength fy is reached.
CS
class

Diagram M-

Design resistance
Stress diagram

Plastic
rotation
capacity

Plastic, Mpl Rd

Important

Plastic, Mpl Rd

Limited

Elastic, Mel Rd

Elastic, Mel Rd

The class of a composite CS is determined function the least favorable class of its
steel elements in compression. This must be made for each section of positive
respectively negative bending. The steel flanges in compression are classified in
EUROCODE 4 according to the maximum width-to-thickness ratio for steel outstand in
compression. The steel web is classified function the width-to-thickness ratio d/dw. If the
steel compressed stand is effectively attached to the concrete slab by shear connectors,
for positive bending moment it may be assumed to be in class 1. If the slab is compressed
under positive moment and the steel beam is in class 1 the neutral axis position imposes
the class of the composite beam.
if NA is in the slab or in the compressed flange the entire section is in class 1
if NA passes through the steel web the entire CS is in class 2
The plastic (non-linear) analysis is permitted only for CS having class 1 or 2.
The elastic (linear) analysis may be applied to CS of any class.
Generally the plastic analysis is permitted for composite beams while a total
connection is considered between the concrete slab and the steel profile. Anyway an
elastic calculus is necessary in SLS state.
Studies on composite beams with critical sections in Class 3 or Class 4 have
shown that provided at least 10% of the span is cracked, as is likely in practice, the
reduction in support moment due to cracking will exceed 8%. It is reasonable to assume
therefore that in round terms the difference between an 'uncracked' and a 'cracked'
analysis with such beams is equivalent to 10% redistribution of the 'uncracked' support
moments.

In a Class 2 section the full plastic moment resistance can be developed. It has
been proposed that a redistribution of 30% be permitted from an "uncracked" analysis to
allow for local yielding at the supports and cracking of concrete. Comparisons with test
results made during the assessment of Eurocode4 confirm the latter figure as appropriate
for sections which can attain the plastic resistance moment at the supports.
A beam with Class 2 (or Class 1) sections at supports will typically have a relatively low
neutral axis, in order to meet the restrictions on the depth of the web in compression
required in such sections. Hence only light tensile reinforcement can be provided and the
ratio of "uncracked" to "cracked" flexural stiffness (I1/I2) can exceed 3.0. For such beams,
the bending moment at the internal support from "cracked" analysis may then be less than
70% of the value from "uncracked" analysis and is almost always less than 85% of the
"uncracked" value. It follows that for Class 2 and Class 1 sections a 15% difference
between "uncracked" and "cracked" analysis is more appropriate than the 10% difference
adopted for beams with sections in Class 3 or Class 4.
Finally, a Class 1 section is one which can, not only attain the plastic resistance
moment, but also sustain this level of moment whilst rotation occurs. In steel structures,
the limits on flange and web slenderness which define a 'plastic' section are sufficiently
restrictive to permit plastic global analysis without further checks on rotation capacity.
This is not true for composite beams, partly because the degree of redistribution needed
to attain a plastic hinge mechanism will be higher due to the greater relative moment
resistance at mid-span.
!!! The class of a composite section is determined function the least favorable
class of its steel elements in compression. This must be done for each section of positive
respectively negative bending.
The steel flanges in compression are classified in EUROCODE 4 according to the
maximum width-to-thickness ratio for steel outstands in compression.
The steel web is classified function of the width-thickness ratio. If the compressed
steel flange is effectively attached to the concrete slab by shear connectors (for positive
bending) it may be assumed to be in class 1.
If the slab is compressed (under positive moment) and the steel beam is in
class 1, the NA's position imposes the class of the entire composite beam:
- if NA is in the slab or in the compressed flange, the entire section is class 1;
- if NA passes through the steel web, the entire CS is class 2;
!!! The plastic (nonlinear) analysis is permitted only for CS having class 1 or 2. The
elastic (linear) analysis may be applied to CS of any class.
4.3. Resistance of CS of composite beams
Generally the plastic analysis is permitted for composite beams, while a total
connection is considered between the concrete slab and the steel profile. Anyway an
elastic analysis will be presented, necessary in SLS calculus.

4.3.1. Elastic Resistance Moment Mel.Rd

4.3.1.1. Basis of design assumptions:
- the connection between slab and beam is considered to be a full shear (total)
connection, which prevents the longitudinal slip between these 2 main
elements.
- the linear diagram of the normal stress can be considered
- plane CS remains plane after deformation
- both steel and concrete are considered to have an elastic behavior
- the tensile strength of concrete is neglected
Based on these assumptions, a composite CS is calculated considering an
equivalent CS, all in steel, replacing the area of concrete Ac by an equivalent area of steel
Ac/n using the modular ratio n. So the equivalent area in steel for a CS will be:
A1=Aa+As+Ac/n
(Aa=steel section area, As=reinforcement area, Ac=concrete area).
4.3.1.2. Composite section under positive elastic moment (sagging bending)
The geometrical characteristics and the strength verification depends on the
neutral axis (NA) position.
a) NA is in the steel beam

Ga, Gc, Gm are the centroids of the steel profile, the concrete area and the
equivalent section from steel.
!!! When the concrete slab is compressed the reinforcement area As is neglected.
To determine the position of ENA (elastic neutral axis) we write the equality of
each static moment, taking into account that the equivalent area is:

A1 = Aa +

beff hc
Ac
= Aa +
n
n

Ac
d c = Aa d a
n
h
h
d a + d c = za + c d a = za + c d c
2
2
Ac
h

d c = Aa z a + c d c
n
2

Aa z a + c
h
2
A

d c c + Aa = Aa z a + c d c =
2
A1
n

The distances from ENA to the extreme fibers (where the strength verification is
compulsory) are:
h
vc = d c + c
2
va = h vc
To make the strength verification we write also the equivalent moment of inertia
considering the entire area made of steel which is:
I
A
I1 = I a + Aa d a2 + c + c d c2
n n
The strength verification in the extreme fibers will be:
- in the compressed top fiber, from concrete:
M
M 0.85 f ck
= z =

I1
Wc
c
n I1
vc
Wc=strength modulus of concrete
fck=characteristic cylinder strength of concrete
c = 1.5 partial safety factor
Wc =

Only 85% from fck is considered in calculus because there must be considered the
differences between the standard cylinder test and the real behavior of concrete in
structural members in time.
- in the inferior fiber from the steel profile:
fy
M
M
= z =

I1
Wa a
Wa =

n I1
va

fy= yield limit for structural steel

a = partial safety factor for structural steel

b) Neutral axis is in the concrete slab

!!! The tension in concrete is neglected.

beff vc
A
A1 = Aa + cc = Aa +
n
n
Acc
d c = Aa d a
n
v
dc = c
2
d a = za + hc vc
vc beff vc
= Aa ( za + hc vc )
2
n
beff 2
vc + Aa vc Aa ( za + hc ) = 0
2n
Aa Aa2 + 4
vc =

beff

2n
2beff

Aa ( za + hc )

2n
vc =

2beff
Aa n
1+
( za + hc ) 1 < hc
beff
n Aa

The equivalent moment of inertia:

I
A
I1 = I a + Aa d a2 + cc + cc d c2
n
n
With I1 the strength verification is made similarly.

4.3.1.3. Composite section under negative elastic moment (hogging bending)

Now the concrete slab is situated in the tension area, so the entire concrete is
neglected. Instead of this the reinforcement is considered.
!!! The effective width beff must be reconsidered.

The equivalent area:

A2 = Aa + As

d a = za + hc vs
hc
2
h

As vs c
2

d s = vs

= Aa ( za + hc vs )

h
( As + Aa ) vs = As c + Ac ( za + hc )
2
hc
As + Ac ( za + hc )
2
vs =
A2
va = h vs
The equivalent moment of inertia:
I 2 = I a + Aa d a2 + As d s2
Where Is0.
The strength verification is:
- in steel:
fy
M
=

Wa a
, where
I2
Wa =
va
- in reinforcement:
f
M
=
sk
Ws s
, where
I2
Ws =
vs

And fsk and s are the characteristic strength and the partial safety factor for
reinforcement, where s=1.15.
Elastic resistance in bending (Bearing capacity)
a)section under positive moment
M el, Rd = min ( M el(1), Rd ; M el(2), Rd )
M el(1), Rd =

I1 f y

va a

I c Ac 2
+ dc
n n
nI 0.85 f ck
= 1
vc
c

I1 = I a + Aa d a2 +
M el(2), Rd

M sd M el, Rd
b)section under negative moment
M el , Rd = min ( M el(1), Rd ; M el(3), Rd )

M el(1), Rd =

I2 f y

va a

I 2 = I a + Aa d a2 + As d s2
M el(3), Rd =

I2 fs

vs s

M sd M el , Rd

4.3.2. Plastic Resistance Moment

4.3.2.1. Basis of design
To evaluate the plastic moment Mpl,Rd the following assumptions should be
considered:
- there is full interaction between structural steel, reinforcement and concrete,
so that in each element the maximum strength should be reached;
- the entire section of the steel profile is plasticized (both tension and
compression zones) the stresses having a rectangular block distribution equal
to fy/a; a=1.1;
- the tensile strength of concrete is neglected;
- in the compressed concrete the stresses have also a uniform distribution equal
to: 0.85fck/c; c=1.5;
- the reinforcements have the design yield stress fsk/s; s=1.15 being neglected
in sections under positive moments (when concrete is compressed).

4.3.2.2. Composite section under positive plastic moment

a) Plastic neutral axis (PNA) is in the concrete slab

The tensile concrete is neglected.

Fc is the resultant of the compression stresses from concrete:
f
f
Fc = Acc 0.85 ck = ec beff 0.85 ck

Fa is the resultant of the tension stresses from steel profile:

f
Fa = Aa a

The PNA (plastic neutral axis) position is determined from the condition that the
tension resultant must be equal to the compression resultant.
Fa = Fc
ec = Aa

fy

a b 0.85 f ck
eff
c

fy
Aa

c
beff 0.85 f ck a

ea = h ec
The plastic moment:
M pl , Rd = Fa d
ec
2
fy
e
= Aa za + hc c
a
2

d = za + hc
M pl , Rd
b) PNA is in the steel profile

PNA divides the steel profile in 2 areas: a tension area under PNA and a
compression area Aac above PNA. The real stress distribution can be replaced by a
simplified distribution, considering a constant distribution of tensile stress on the entire
area Aa while on Aac a distribution of compressive stresses 2fy/a is introduced.
0.85 f ck
Fc = beff hc

Fac = Aac 2
Fa = Aa

fy

fy

Fc + Fac = Fa
beff hc

0.85 f ck

+ Aac 2

fy

= Aa

fy

Aa
h 0.85 f ck a
beff c

(1)
2
2
fy
c
From the steel profile geometry:
Aac = bs t s + zw t w (2)
Aac =

From (1)&(2) => zw

The plastic moment written with respect to the concrete slab centroid:
h
h

M pl , Rd = Fa za + c Fac h '+ c
2
2

4.3.2.3. Composite section under negative plastic moment

As the tensile concrete is neglected PNA always passes through the steel profile.

Fs = As

f sk

Fat = Aat 2
Fa = Aa

fy

fy

Fs + Fat = Fa Aat =

Aa As f sk a

(1)
2
2 s fy

Aat = bs t s + zw t w (2)
(1) & (2) zw
The plastic negative moment:
h
h

M pl , Rd = Fa za + c Fat h "+ c
2
2

For any of the cases presented above, the general verification is MsdMpl, Rd.

4.3.3. Vertical shear resistance

All relations presented by Eurocode 4 for shear checking are applied to composite
beams having a hot-rolled or welded steel profile, having a solid web without
longitudinal stiffeners.
The shear checking is made in accordance to EUROCODE 3, considering that the
entire shear force is taken by the steel profile (thus the concrete slab is neglected in
shear). Similarly to the relation used in bending checks, the relation for checking shear
will be:
V sd V pl.Rd
where VSd - shear force from static calculus
Vpl.Rd- plastic shear resistance, given in Eurocode 3
fy 1
Vpl.Rd := Av

3

a
fy
design strength at shear of structural steel
3
N
For common mild steel: f y := 235
2
mm

a := 1.1
fy

N
= 123.343

3 a
fy

mm

N
= 213.636

mm

( Rf )

( R)

Av is the shear area for the steel member, which is:

- for welded profiles Av := d tw
- for hot-rolled I, H profiles, Av is the web area plus a part of the flanges

Av := Aa 2b tf + tw + 2 r t f

In practice the inequality written above must take a more severe form:
V sd 0.5 V pl.Rd
If this relation isn't checked we have to consider the influence of the shear force
on the plastic moment Mpl.Rd. The influence is considered using the interaction between
the shear force and the plastic moment, in evaluating Mpl.Rd. The following interaction
curve is considered:

Fig.5. Interaction curve V-M

The influence of the shear force V on the plastic moment Mpl.Rd is considered
calculating a reduced plastic moment Mpl.Rd interpolating between the values of Mpl.Rd and
Mf.Rd. This reduced plastic moment will be calculated with the formula:

V 2

sd
red
Mpl.Rd := Mf.Rd + ( Mpl.Rd Mf.Rd) 1 2
1 Msd

Vpl.Rd

In the above relation Mf.Rd is the plastic moment of the entire composite section,
calculated considering that the steel profile is made only from flanges (the steel web is
neglected).
Besides the shear verification, the shear buckling resistance of the steel web must
be checked if:
- for unstiffened and unencased web
d
235
> 69
:=
tw
fy
d

- for unstiffened and encased web

tw

> 124

- for a stiffened web (with transversal stifners)

d
tw

> 30 k

where k is a buckling factor given in EUROCODE 3:

k := 4 +

5.34

a

d

k := 5.34 +

if

a

d

a
> 1
d

if

a = longitudinal distance between stiffners

If these 3 inequalities are valid we check the shear buckling resistance, with the
formula:
ba
Vb.Rd := d tw
M1
Vb.Rd VSd

where M1 := a
ba

simple post-critical shear strength, given in EUROCODE 3 function the web

slenderness
d
w

- for

- for

1.5

1.5 < w < 3

t
w

:=

37.4 k
fyw

ba

:=

ba

:=

f yw 3

+ 0.2 w 1.3
3 w

- for
f yw

3 w 4

ba

f yw 0.9

3 w

:=

yield limit of the steel web

4.4. Design Of Shear Connection in Composite Beams

4.4.1. Basis of design

Shear connectors and transverse reinforcement shall be provided throughout the

length of the beam, to transmit the longitudinal shear force between the concrete slab and
the steel beam, ignoring the effect of bond between these 2 elements.
Shear connectors shall be capable of providing resistance to uplift of the concrete
slab thats why the connectors are designed for a tensile force perpendicular to the plane
of the steel flanges having a value of at least 0.1 from the design shear resistance of the
connector Prd.
Eurocode 4 works with 2 concepts regarding - full connection;
- partial connection, which is applied
only in case of composite beams where a plastic analysis is permitted. (section of class1
& 2).
A span of a beam has full shear connection when increase in the number of shear
connectors would not increase the design bending resistance of the member. Otherwise
the shear connection is partial.
4.4.2. Classification of shear connectors

Function the deformation capacity of the connectors Eurocode 4 classifies them

into:
- ductile (elastic) connectors;
- non-ductile (rigid) connectors.
Ductile connectors are those which have sufficient deformation capacity to justify
the assumption of ideal plastic behavior of the connection. The push-out tests show that
the headed stud connectors are ductile connectors if:
h4d
16d22
4.4.3. The longitudinal shear force Vl

As the shear connectors have the role of transmitting this force from the concrete
slab to the steel beam, Vl is calculated using the bearing capacity of each of these 2 main
elements.
For full shear connection: Vl must be calculated separately on each critical length.
The longitudinal force Vl to be resisted by shear connectors between a simple end
support and a point of positive maximum moment (lcr1):

f
Vl = Fcf = min Aa y ; Ac 0.85 ck
a
c

Where Aa and Ac are the area of the structural steel respectively concrete related
to the CS of maximum positive moment.
The longitudinal force Vl between the point of maximum bending moment and an
intermediate support where we have negative bending moment (lcr2):

V1 = Fcf + As

f ck

+ Aap

f yp

ap

Where As=area of long reinforcement

Aap=the effective area of any profile steel sheeting in case of ribbed slabs.

4.4.4. Design resistance of shear connector Prd

This resistance depends on the type of shear connectors.

Headed stud connectors

The design shear resistance of a stud connector (automatically welded on the steel
flange) is:

Prd = min( Prd(1) ; Prd(2) )

Where Prd(1) is the design resistance corresponding to the breaking, shearing of the
stud.

d2 1
Prd (1) = 0.8 fu

4 v
where fu is the ultimate strength in tension, corresponding to the stud (fu500 N/mm2)
d is the stud diameter
v partial safety factor for stud v=1.25
Prd(2)=resistance corresponding to the breaking of the concrete from slab:
Prd (2) = 0.29 d 2 f ck Ecm

Where fck is the cylinder compressive strength of concrete

Ecm is the secant modulus of elasticity of concrete
is a shape factor, given in EUROCODE 4 founction the ratio h/d

if

h
h
4 = 0.2 + 1
d
d

h
> 4 =1
d
Block connectors

The connectors are drawn in the recommended position with respect to the
direction of thrust.
The design resistance of a block connector is
f
Prd = Afi ck

Where Af1 frontal area of connection

f ck
- design compressive strength

Af 2
Af 1

2.5 for normal weight concrete

If

2 for lightweight concrete

Af2 area of the surface of a connector, enlarged at a slope of 15 to the rear surface of
the adjacent connector.
Angle connectors
In solid slabs the angle connectors are positioned with respect to the thrust
directions.
The design resistance of an angle connector is:
2
3
1
Prd = 10bh 4 f ck 3

Where b, h length and the width of the angle

v partial safety factor for connector
v =1.25

4.4.5. Dimensioning of shear connectors with ductile connectors

Knowing the longitudinal shear force Vl which must be transmitted by connectors
and the design resistance of one connector Prd, the number of connectors will be:
V
N= l
Prd
The number of connectors must be calculated on each critical length.
A critical length is the length between 2 critical sections, which can be:
- section of max. bending moment
- sections of support
- sections where important concentrated forces act (forces which increase M with
more than 20 %; sections where diminishing of the CS exist.

4.4.6. Some design recommendations for the stud connectors

See Eurocode 4 for connector spacing in solid slabs and in ribbed slabs.

4.4.7. Transverse reinforcement

If the longitudinal reinforcement is taken from constructive point of view, the
transverse reinforcement must be designed so that premature longitudinal shear failure or
longitudinal splitting is prevented.
The design longitudinal shear/unit length VSd for any surface of shear failure
should not exceed the design resistance to longitudinal shear VRd of the considered
section.
VSdVRd
The potential surfaces of shear failure are:

The design longitudinal shear/unit length is:

P
N
VSd = rd
s
mm
Where Prd design shear resistance of 1 connector,
S longitudinal distance between connectors
The design resistance to longitudinal shear is:

Vrd = min (Vrd (1) ;Vrd (2) )

Vrd (1) = 2.5 Acv rd + Ac
Vrd (2) = 0.2 Acv

f sk

+ V pd

f ck

Where Acv area of the concrete shear surface/unit length (section a-a, b-b, c-c)
factor depending on the concrete self-weight:
- for normal weight concrete (=2400 kg/m3) => = 1,
- for light weight concrete (=2400 kg/m3) => = 0.3 + 0.7

2400

rd concrete shear resistance

rd = 0.25

f ctk 0.05

- fctk0.05 characteristic tensile strength 5 % fractile;

- ex. for C25/30 fctk0.05=1,8 N/mm2
Ac sum. Of the CS areas of transverse reinforcement/unit length
A + At mm 2
Ac = b
mm
s

fsk char. strength for reinforcement

s safety factor for reinforcement
s = 1.15
Vpd contribution of eny steel sheeting (for ribbed slabs) (Par 6.6.3 Eurocode 4)

4.5. Deflection control in serviceability limit states

The composite beams should be designed so that their deformations should not
affect the use, efficiency or appearance of the composite structure.
For floor and roofs in buildings, the deflection limits are taken from Eurocode 3.
Deflections due to loading applied to the composite members are calculated using an
elastic analysis also in accordance to Eurocode 3. The difference is that in the rigidity of
the composite members (E x I) we consider the equivalent moment of inertia I1,
respectively I2.
The total deflection of a composite beam will be:
max = 1 + 2 0
Where 1 deflection due to char. permanent actions in state (1)
2 deflection due to char. variable actions in state (2)
0 eventual precamber of the composite beam in the unloaded state (0)
Eurocode 4 imposes the limit deflections, for floors in general:

L
250
L
2
300

max

4.6. Design Example of a composite beam

1. The geometry
Check the continuous beam of an industrial platform, knowing that the beams are
disposed to a distance B=3 m, and having 2 spans, 10 m each. The concrete slab is a full
slab with hc=150 mm, being connected to the structural steel by welded shear stud
connectors, realizing a full interaction.

2. Material properties
f ck := 25
a) concrete C25/30
Ecm := 30.5
c

:= 2400

kN
mm
kg
3

c := 1.5

f sk := 400
E s := 210
s

:= 7850

N
mm

kN
2

mm
kg
m

s := 1.15

c) Structural steel
f y := 235
f u := 360
E a := 210
a

mm

b) reinforcing steel

:= 7850

a := 1.1

N
mm

N
mm

kN
2

mm
kg
m

Ec' :=

Ecm
2

For the steel beam, the geometrical characteristics are:

Aa := 20675 mm 2

I a := I y
Ia := 11.0923 10

mm

d) Ductile shear connectors (stud-connectors)

N
N
fy := 380
fu := 450
2
2
mm
mm

v := 1.25

3. Actions
The permanent actions from the steel beam, concrete slab and a floor should be
considered. In what concerns the variable loads, an imposed load of 1000 kg/mp is
considered.
a) Characteristic actions
- permanent actions:
- steel beams weight

7850 20675 10

kg

= 162.299

m
-

1.623

kN
m

concrete slab

kg

2400 3 0.15 = 1.08 10

10.8

kN
m

floor of 5 cm thickness, made of concrete mortar:

kg

2100 0.05 3 = 315

3.15

gk := 1.623 + 10.8 + 3.15 = 15.573

kN
m
kN
m

- variable actions:
- imposed load:
3

1000 3 = 3 10

kg
m

q k := 30

30

kN
m

kN
m

b) Design actions

G := 1.35

- permanent:

q := 1.5

gd := gk G = 21.024
kN
qd := qk q = 45
m

- variable:

kN
m

4. Internal forces and moments

Tmax := Vmax

Vmax1 := 0.375 gd + 0.4375 qd L

Vmax1 = 275.713 kN

Vmax2 := 0.625 qd + gd L
Vmax2 = 412.647 kN

Mmax.p := 0.07 gd + 0.095qd L

Mmax.p = 574.665 kNm

Mmax.n := 0.125 gd + qd L

Mmax.n = 825.294 kNm

5. Effective width of concrete flange (beff)

- beff should be calculated for section under positive moment, respectively under
negative moment.
a) Section under positive moment M.p (sagging bending)

L0
beff.p := min 2 , B
8

L0 := 0.8 L

B := 3 m

L0 = 8 m

8
beff.p := min 2 , 3 = 2 m
8
b) Section under negative moment M.n (hogging bending)
L 1 := 10 m L 2 := 10 m

L0 := 0.25 L1 + L2 = 5

L0
, B = 1.25
8

beff.n := min 2

6. Resistance of CS in sagging bending Mp

6.1. Plastic resistance Mpl.Rd.p

h c := 150

mm beff.p := 2000 mm
5

Ac := beff.p hc = 3 10

mm

Aa = 2.067 10

0.85 f ck 3
Fc := Ac
10
c
Fc = 4.25 10

kN

fy 3
Fa := Aa
10
a

Fa = 4.417 10
Fa > Fc

kN

=> plastic neutral axis is in the steel profile

2fy
Fac := Aac
a
Fac := Aac 427.3
Fa = 4.417 10

kN

Fc + Fac := Fa
3

4250 10 + 427.3 Aac := 4417 10

Aac :=

4417 10 4250 10
427.3

Aac := zf 250
3

Afs := 24250 = 6 10

Aac = 390.826 mm

mm

F ac := 167 kN

Aas < Afs

za := 305.5 mm => PNA is in the superior flange
zf := 1.56 mm
The plastic resistance moment is written with respect to Gc:

hc

hc zf
Fac + 10 3 = 1.668 103 kNm
Mpl.Rd.p := Fa za +
2
2

2
As PNA is in the superior compressed flange, the CS class is 1.

6.2. Elastic resistance Mel.Rd.p

First we compute the modular ratio n, which transforms the concrete area into an
equivalent steel area.

Ec' :=
n :=

30.5
= 15.25
2

Ea
Ec'

= 13.77

Aa := 2.067 10
mm
Ac
dc
Aa da :=
n

hc
da + dc := za +
2

da + dc := 380.5

mm

dc := 380.5 da

Ac
( 380.5 da)
n
4
2000 150 380.5 d
2.067 10 da :=
(
a)
13.77
Aa da :=

da := 195.2

mm

dc := 185.3

mm

The equivalent moment of inertia:

Aa := 2.067 10

hc := 150 mm

b eff.p := 2000 mm

n := 13.77

Ic :=

beff.p hc
12

= 5.625 10

mm

Ic Ac 2
2
I1 := Ia + Aa da + +

n n dc
2000 1503 2000 150
8
2
2
9
+
I1 := 11.0923 10 + 20675 195.2 +
185.3 = 2.686 10
12 13.77 13.77
4
mm
The elastic moment:
- in the inferior tension fiber:
v a := 439.7
mm
fy I1 6
3
Mel.Rd1 :=
10 = 1.305 10
a va

kNm

- in the superior compressed fiber:

fck
Mel.Rd2
v c 0.85
c
n I1

:=

v c := 260.3

mm
f ck n I1
6
3
Mel.Rd2 := 0.85

10 = 2.013 10
c
vc

kNm

Mel.Rd := min Mel.Rd1 , Mel.Rd2 = 1.305 10

kNm

The CS class:
Compressed flange: as between the concrete slab and the steel profile a full
interaction is considered, the flange is in class 1.

Compressed web:
hat
:=
hac
439.7
:=
= 3.986
110.3
d
For <-1 we have to check if:
62 ( 1 ) ( )
tw
d := 482 mm

t w := 12.5
d
= 38.56
tw

:=

mm
mm

235
=1
fy

38.5 < 617.262

62 ( 1 ) ( ) = 617.262
=> the compressed web is in class III => the entire cross-section is in class III.

7. Resistance of CS in sagging bending Mn

7.1. Plastic resistance Mpl.Rd.n
The tensile concrete from slab is neglected, instead we take into account the
longitudinal reinforcement 12/150.
Under negative moment :

b eff.n := 1250 mm
On this width we consider 9 bars on each row, so totally we have 18 bars 12
with the area:

( 122)
= 2.036 103 mm 2
As := 18
4

In this case PNA is always situated in the steel profile.

fy

3
3
Fa := Aa 10 = 4.416 10
kN
a

fy
Fat := Aat 2
Fat := 427.3 Aat
a
f sk 3
Fs := As
kN
10 = 708.088
s

Fs + Fat := Fa
Aat

3
3
(
4417 10 708.088 10 )
:=

= 8.68 10

427.3
A at := 24 250 + 12.5 zwt = 8680
zwt := 214.4 mm

mm

mm

Fat := 3709 kN
The plastic moment:

hc
hc

3
Fat 103 48.8 + 10 6 = 1.221 103 kNm
Mpl.Rd.n := Fa 10 za +
2
2

MSd.n < Mpl.Rd.n

checked !

The CS class:
The compressed flange:
( 350 12.5)
c :=
= 168.75
2
t f := 24 mm

c
= 7.031
tf

7.031 < 9

=> the compressed flange is in class 1.(a)

The compressed web:

d

:= 301.6mm

:=

(length of compressed part of the web)

= 0.626 0.626 > 0.5

If >0.5 => we have to check if

d := 482
t w := 12.5

mm

d
( 396 )

tw
13 1

mm

d
= 38.56
tw
( 396 )

= 55.505
38.56 < 55.505 => the compressed web is also in class 1.(b)
13 1
From (a), (b) => the entire cross-section is in class 1.

7.2. Elastic resistance Mel.Rd.n

The equivalent area:

4
A2 := Aa + As = 2.271 10 mm
Aa da := As ds

20675 da := 2036 380.5 da

hc
da + ds := za +
= 380.5
2

=> da := 41.5 mm
ds := 339 mm

ds := 380.5 da
2

I2 := Ia + Aa da + As ds
I2 := 13.78 10

mm

The elastic moment:

- in the inferior fiber:

fy
Mel.Rd1

a
a
I2

:=

v s := 414 mm
v a := 286 mm
fy I2 6
3
Mel.Rd1 :=
10 = 1.029 10
v a a

kNm

- in the superior fiber:

f sk
Mel.Rd2
:=
v s
s
I2
v s := 414 mm

v a := 286

mm
f sk I2

Mel.Rd2 :=
10
v s s

= 1.158 10

Mel.Rd := min Mel.Rd1 , Mel.Rd2 = 1.029 10

kNm

neg

kNm

8. Check to vertical shear

fy 1
Vpl.Rd := Av

3 a
Av := d tw = 6.025 10

mm

fy 1 3
10 = 743.142
3
a

Vpl.Rd := Av

VSd.max := 412.5

kN

kN

Mel.Rd > MSd

Vpl.Rd > VSd.max

but VSd.max=412.5 kN > 0.5*Vpl.Rd=371.5 kN => we have to take into account the influence of
shear on the plastic moment Mpl.Rd.n.
2
V

Sd
Mpl.Rd.red := Mf.Rd + ( Mpl.Rd.n Mf.Rd) 1
1

0.5Vpl.Rd

Fs := As

fsk 10

= 708.088

kN

fy
Fat := Aat 2
= 427.3Aat
a
235 10
Fac := ( 24 250 + 24 350)
1.1

and

Aat := 250 zt

= 3.076 10

kN

Fs + Fat := Fac => zt := 22.1 mm

zt < t f
Aat := 250 zt = 5.525 10
3

Fat := 427.3 Aat 10

= 2.361 10

hc

zt hc
10 3 Fat + 10 3 = 967.407
Mf.Rd := Fac za +
2

2 2
Mpl.Rd.n := 1221.4

kNm

kNm

2
V

Sd
Mpl.Rd.red := Mf.Rd + ( Mpl.Rd.n Mf.Rd ) 1
1 = 1218

0.5Vpl.Rd


neg

Mpl.Rd.red > Msd

kNm

9. The design of connection with headed stud connectors

The dimensioning is made for each critical length L1=4m, L2=6m.
The longitudinal shear force that must be transmitted by connectors is Vl.
For L1=4m:

Fcf := min Aa

fy

, Ac 0.85

f ck

3
= 1 10 4250
c

Vl.1 := Fcf = 1 10 4250

kN

kN

For L2=6m

fsk
Vl.2 := Fcf + As
s
Vl.2 := 4958.2 kN
The design resistance of 1 connector:

PRd := min PRd.1 , PRd.2

d2 1
1
, 0.29 d2 f ck Ecm
PRd := min 0.8 f u

v
4 v

2
( 22 ) 1 3
10 = 109.478
PRd.1 := 0.8 450
kN
4 v
2
3 1
3
PRd.2 := 0.29 1 22 25 30.5 10
kN
10 = 98.051
1.25
h
:= 5.68 > 4
d

=>

:= 1

PRd := min PRd.1 , PRd.2 = 98.051 kN

The number of connectors for each critical length:
-for L1: N :=

4250
= 43.345
PRd

-for L2: N :=

4958.2
= 50.567
PRd

=> 44 connectors.
=> 52 connectors.

10. Design of transverse reinforcement

It is calculated from the checking condition VSd<VRd.
As the longitudinal reinforcement is 12, we take the transverse reinforcement also 12
and we check the condition written above.
VSd is the longitudinal shear force/unit length.

VSd :=

PRd
s

where s is the distance between connectors:

s1 := 185 mm
- for L1

VSd.1 :=

- for L2

VSd.2 :=

s2 := 235 mm
PRd10

s1
3
PRd10
s2

= 530.007

= 417.239

N
mm
N
mm

VRd is the resistance to longitudinal shear of the slab over the length of 1 m.
VRd := min VRd.1 , VRd.2
f sk
VRd.1 := 2.5 Acv Rd + Ae
s
fck
VRd.2 := 0.2 Acv
c

For L1:
For the potential section of shear failure a-a:

mm 2
mm
= 1 for normal weight concrete
Acv = 1mm l a a = 150

Rd = 0.25

f ctk

= 0.25

1.8
= 0.3 N mm 2
1.5

For class C 25 / 30 f ctk = 1.8 N mm 2

Ae =

At + Ab
=
s

12 2
4
185

= 1.22

VRd(1) = 2.5 150 1 0.3 + 1.22

mm 2
mm

400
= 536.8 N mm
1.15

25
= 500 N mm
1.5
VRd=500 N/mm < VSd => we have to increase the concrete slabs depth to hc=160mm.
25
VRd( 2) = 0.2 160 1
= 533 N mm > VSd ok!
1.5
VRd( 2) = 0.2 150 1

For section b-b:

l b b = 2 125 + 2
Acv = 385

35
+ 100 = 385
2

mm 2
mm

VRd(1) = 2.5 385 1 0.3 + 1.22

400
= 713.1 N mm
1.15

VRd( 2) = 1283 N mm
VRd = 713 > VSd = 530 ok!
For L2:
For section a-a:
VRd(1) = 544 N mm
25
= 533 N mm
1.5
= 417.2 ok!

VRd( 2) = 0.2 160 1

VRd = 533 > VSd

For section b-b:

VRd = 713 > VSd = 417.2 ok!

11. Deflections checking in SLS

!!! We must work with the characteristic actions.
A. Characteristic permanent actions:
- weight of the steel beam: gk1=1.623 kN/m
- weight of the concrete slab: gk2=10.8 kN/m
- weigth of the floor finishing: gk3=3.15 kN/m
B. Characteristic variable actions: qk=30 kN/m
The maximum deflection is computed as follows:
max=1+2-0
0 = 0. (precamber=contrasageata);
1 = defelction from permanent actions;
2 = deflection from variable actions.

1=1+1 where 1 is the deflection from gk1, gk2 (for the unhardened wet
concrete) calculated with the moment of inertia of the steel
beam Ia;
- 1 is the deflection from gk3 (after the concrete is hardened),
considering the equivalent moment of inertia I1.
2 = deflection from qk, with the equivalent moment of inertia I1.
For this type of structure (continuous beam), we have:
2 q L4
=

384 E I
E = Ea

2 (1.62 + 10.8) 10000 4

= 2.78 mm
384 210000 11.0923 10 8
2
3.15 10000 4
1" =

= 0.29 mm
384 210000 2.686 10 9
1 = 3.07 mm

1' =

2 =
max

2
30 10000 4

= 2.77 mm
384 210000 2.686 10 9
= 5.84 mm
L
= 33.3 ok!
300
L
= 5.84 <
= 40 ok!
250

2 = 2.77 <
max

CHAPTER V COMPOSITE SLABS WITH PROFILED STEEL

SHEETING
5.1. Generals

Definition: a composite slab is one in which profiled steel sheets are used:
- As permanent shuttering capable of supporting the wet concrete,
reinforcement and construction loads;
- After the concrete is hardened, as tensile reinforcement in the finished floor.
Having these two roles, a composite slab must be calculated in two different
phases:
First when the steel sheet is calculated, considering that it acts as a formwork;
Than, the composite slab is calculated, considering the composite action of the
concrete and the steel sheet.
C11 lipsa 1 ora
-

M+pl.Rd
hp 60 mm
hc 50 mm
The resultant of stresses from the compressed slab:
0.85 f ck
Nc = b x

The resultant of stresses from the steel sheeting:

f yp
N p = Ap

ap

where fyp yield strength for steel sheeting;

ap partial safety factor for sheeting ap=1.1.
N c = N p => neutral axis ' position ( PNA)
x=

Ap
b

f yp

ap 0.85 f ck

The positive plastic moment:

x

M pl = N p d p
2

M Sd M pl .Rd

B) PNA in the steel sheeting only when hp>60 mm

!!! The compressed concrete from ribs is neglected.

The real distribution of stresses with rectangular blocks is replaced by a simplified
distribution.
Na is the resultant of the tensile stress from sheeting which equalizes the
compressive stresses from slab.
Nc=Na
The plastic resistance moment:
M pl . Rd = N c z + M pr

N c = b h c
z =h

0.85 f ck

hc
e p + (e p e )
2

Nc
f yp
Ap

Mpr is the reduced plastic moment from sheet:

Nc
M pr = 1.25 M pa 1
M pa
f yp

Ap

ap

Where Mpa is the plastic moment capacity of the steel sheeting (from Eurocode 3).
5.3.2. Plastic resistance of section under negative bending

A) PNA in the concrete slab

f sk

N s = As
N c = Ac

s
0.85 f ck

N p = Ap

c
f yp

ap

f yp
f
N s = N c + N p => Ac = As sk A p

s
ap

Ac1 + Ac 2 = b (x h p ) + Ac 2 = Ac

c
0.85 f
ck

 x.

Din x => zc, zp.

The plastic moment:
M pl .Rd = N p z p + N c z c
B) PNA in the steel sheeting this case appears only for small loads.

!!! The steel sheeting is neglected; the computing is made as for a reinforced
concrete element, considering that the compressive stresses are overtaken only by
concrete.
f
N s = As sk

N c = b0 x

0.85 f ck

b0 medium width of the concrete from ribs

N s = N c => x => z.
M pl . Rd = N s z
5.3.3. Resistance to longitudinal shear

Eurocode 4 presents two analysis ways:

Steel sheeting without anchorage
Steel sheeting with end anchorage

Longitudinal shear for slabs without end anchorage

This calculation is applied to composite slabs with mechanical and frictional

interlock. The maximum design vertical shear V for a width of slab b, should not
exceed the design shear resistance Vl.Rd.
VVl.Rd
Ap
m
+k
b Ls
Vl .Rd = b d p

Vs

b, dp in mm; Ap in mm2.
m, k: empirical factors obtained from tests (Eurocode 4: par. 10.3.1.)

5.3.4. Resistance to vertical shear

The maximum vertical shear V, should not exceed the vertical shear resistance
Vv.Rd, over a width equal to the distance between centers of ribs b.
V VV .Rd
VV .Rd = b0 d p Rd kV (1.2 + 40 )
Where: b0 the average width of the concrete from the ribs;
Rd the basic shear strength;

 Rd = 0.25
=

Ap
b0 d p

f ctk 0.05

; c = 1.5

< 0.02

kV = (1.6 d p ) 1, d p in [m]
5.4. Verification of composite slabs for SLS
5.4.1. Deflection
The deflection of the sheeting due to its own weight and the weight of the wet
concrete, must not be included in the verification of the composite slab. In practice two
kinds of spans should be considered, for deflection of composite slabs:
- An intermediary span;
- An external span.

For an internal span, if the composite behavior is ensured (by mechanical or frictional
interlock, or by end anchorage with studs), the deflection is determined using the
following approximations:
- The moment of inertia should be taken as the average of the values for the cracked
and the uncracked section.
I1 + I 2
, where I1, I2 are the moments of inertia for the uncracked, respectively
2
cracked section.
Im =

Uncracked section:
2

b hc X m c
3
b0 h 3p b0 h p
hp
b hc
2
2

I1 =
+
+
+
h X m + A p (d p X m ) + I p
12n
n
12n
n
2

Ip the moment of inertia of the steel sheeting

Xm the depth of the compressed concrete with respect to the superior face of the slab

b
Xm =

hp

hc2
+ b0 h p h
2
2

+ n Ap d p

b hc + b0 h p + n Ap

n modular ratio for concrete

n=Ea/Ec
Cracked section:
2

X
b Xc c
3
b Xc
2 + A (d X )2 + I
I2 =
+
p
p
c
p
12 n
n
Xc the distance from ENA to the superior face of the slab.
n Ap
2b d p
Xc =
1+
1
b
n Ap

For external spans, end slip can have a significant effect on deflection. If the end
slip is smaller than 0.5 mm, the deflection is calculated as for internal spans. Otherwise,
end anchors should be provided, or end slip should be taken into account.
5.4.2. Cracking of concrete
The crack width in hogging moment regions of continuous slabs shall be checked
in accordance to EC2, par.4.4.2. The limit width of the cracks should be provided by the
client, taking into account the type of the structure and her future destination. Otherwise
this maximum width of cracks can be limited to 0.3 mm. The minimum area of anti-crack
reinforcement is:
A
As = k c k f ct .eff ct

k coefficient taking into account the effect of uniform distribution of the initial stresses
kc coefficient taking into account the nature of stress distribution immediately before
cracking (for bending without compressive stress kc=0.4)
fct.eff the effective tensile strength of concrete at the time of first cracking (minimum
fct.eff=3 N/mm2, if it cant be confirmed that the first crack appears before 28 days).
Act area of concrete within tensile zone
s the stress in the tensile reinforcement (s=fsk)

CHAPTER VI - COMPOSITE COLUMNS

6.1. Generals

Eurocode 4 deals with the typical cross-sections of composite columns, which are:
a) Concrete encased sections (steel profile is completely covered by concrete);
b) Partially encased sections (the concrete is cast only between flanges and web);
c) Concrete filled sections (the concrete is completely covered by steel).
Eurocode 4 considers that the steel section and the uncracked section have the same
centroid. Eurocode 4 gives two design methods:

A general method presented for all types of columns, including those with nonsymmetrical or non-uniform cross-section over the column length (taking into
account the second order effects, the imperfections, the non-linear behavior of
materials). Generally in usual design, the method isnt used.
A simplified method which is applied to columns of double symmetrical and
uniform cross-section over the column length, using the European buckling curves
given in Eurocode 3.

6.2. The simplified method of design

6.2.1. Axial centric compression

6.2.1.1. Resistance of cross-section to axial loads

a) For concrete encased sections (sections a) and b) from previous paragraph) and
concrete filled rectangular sections (section c)), the plastic resistance in
compression is:
fy
f
f
N pl . Rd = Aa
+ Ac ck + As sk

= 1 for concrete filled rect. sec tions

= 0.85 for concrete encased sec tions (a) and b))
b) For concrete-filled circular sections:
fy
f
f
t fy
+ As sk
N pl . Rd = Aa 2
+ Ac ck 1 + 1
a
c
d f ck
s
Where t, d are the thickness, respectively the tube diameter
10e
1 = 10 1

10e
2 = 20 + (1 20 )
d
Where e eventual eccentricity of loading, obtained from a static calculus
e=

M max .Sd
N Sd

10 = 4.9 18.5 + 17 2 (but 0)

20 = 0.25 (3 + 2 2 ) (but 1)
Where is the non-dimensional slenderness 2 =

N pl . R

2
N cr
presented above but considering the partial safety factors

Where: Npl.R is Npl.Rd

a=c=s=1.
Ncr is the elastic critical load, calculated with Eulers formula:
2 ( EI ) e
N cr =
l2
Where (EI)e is the elastic rigidity of the composite section.

( EI ) e = E a I a + 0.8 E cd I c + E s I s
Where Ia, Ic, Is are the moments of inertia for the considered bending plane of the
structural steel, uncracked concrete and reinforcement.
Ea, Es, are Youngs modulus for steel and reinforcement.
Ecd=Ecm/c with Ecm being the secant modulus of concrete and c is the safety
factor of concrete, for stiffness c=1.35.
6.2.1.2. Resistance of members in axial compression
The buckling verification is
N Sd N pl . Rd
is a reduction coefficient which takes into account the buckling mode, given in EC3
function the slenderness and the buckling curves. (curve a for concrete filled sections,
curve b for concrete encased sections, when bending is produced about the maximum
inertia axis, curve c identically to curve b, but bending is about the minimum inertia
axis.)
6.2.2. Combined compression and bending (excentric compression)

6.2.2.1. Interraction curve

The resistance of composite cross-section in eccentric compression is represented
in Eurocode 4 by the following interaction curve:

This curve is represented considering different positions of the plastic neutral axis
in cross-section, and computing the internal stresses M and N assuming rectangular
blocks of stresses (corresponding to the plastic analysis). We shall now explain each
point for a concrete encased section:
Point A: resistance to axial compression M=0.

NA=Npl.Rd (explained before)

Point B: resistance to bending

On the height 2hn the tensile stresses from steel are equilibrated by compressive
stresses from concrete.
Point C:

N C = N pm. Rd = Ac
M C = M pl . Rd

f ck

Point D:

1
N pm. Rd
2
= M max . Rd

ND =
MD
The bending resistance in D:
fy

f
f
1
+ W pc ck + W psn sk
a
2
c
c
Where Wpa, Wpc, Wps are the plastic strength modulus for structural steel, concrete and
reinforcement, for the entire cross-section of column.
The plastic bending resistance:
Mpl.Rd=Mmax.Rd Mn.Rd
fy
f
f
1
Where M n. Rd = W pan
+ W pcn ck + W psn sk
2
a
c
s
Where Wpan, Wpcn, Wpsn are the plastic strength modulus for structural steel, concrete and
reinforcement, but only on the height 2hn.
M max . Rd = W pa

6.2.2.2. Analysis for bending moment

Composite columns must be checked for second order effects if >cr=0.2(z-r),
where
N pl . R
=
N cr
r is the ratio between end moments (taken with their sign)
N
Also, the second order effects must be taken into account if: Sd 0.1
N cr

N cr =

2 ( EI ) e

l2
For simplification the second order effects in a column may be considered
increasing the greatest 1st order moment MSdI by a correction factor k:

k=

N
1 Sd
N cr

where = 0.66 + 0.44r 0.44

The second order moment will be then
MSdII=kMSdI
6.2.2.3. Resistance of members in combined compression and unit axial bending
To check this resistance we start from the interaction curve (M-N) presented
previously, modified like in the figure below. The design procedure is:

N Sd
1
N pl .Rd

n =
d =
pn =

(1 r )
4

N Sd
N pl .R
N pn. Rd
N pl . Rd

is the buckling coefficient for centric compression

We take a horizontal line passing through until this line intersects the interaction
curve. The corresponding value for bending R is determined from the buckling
coefficient , which takes into account that the buckling from bending is due to the
geometrical imperfections and residual stresses.
These imperfections decrease linearly from point P to point n.
Under the influence of the axial stress NSd the member has sufficient resistance in
bending if
MSd0.9Mpl.Rd
Where: MSd the maximum bending moment within the column length taking into
account the second order effect (MSd=MSdII)
Mpl.Rd is the plastic moment resistance calculated using the stress distribution
corresponding to point B in the interaction curve.
6.2.2.4. Resistance to combined compression and bi-axial bending
The imperfections should be considered only in the plan in which failure is
expected to occur. (e.g. Z-axis). For the other plan of bending we shouldnt take into
account the imperfections. (e.g. Y-axis).
The verification for biaxial bending is made:
- Separately for each bending moment:
My.Sd0.9yMy.pl.Rd

Mz.Sd0.9zMz.pl.Rd
Taking the global effect of both moments:
M y .Sd
M z .Sd
+
1
y M y. pl .Rd z M z . pl . Rd

6.2.2.5. The limits of application. The simplified method of design

This method may be applied only to composite columns having a double
symmetrical cross-section and a constant cross-section along the columns length.
Design prescriptions
- The steel contribution ratio to the cross-section resistance:
Aa

fy

N pl . Rd
The non-dimensional slenderness:

must be 0.2 0.9.

N pl . R

2
N cr
The area of longitudinal reinforcement As should be:
0.3%Ac As 4%Ac
With Ac the concrete area.
For totally encased sections the thickness of concrete cover must be:
40mm cz 0.3h
czb/6.
40mm cy 0.4b

6.3. Design example of a composite column with partial concrete encasement

Objective - check the composite column having a buckling length of 6m and the
following cross-section:

The column is laterally supported on the other direction. The axial force has the
value of: 3000 kN.
The bending moment diagram on the column height is:

1. Physical and geometrical characteristics:

a. Structural steel: HE360A profile
2

Aa := 14300

mm

Iya := 3.309 10

mm

fy := 235 N
8
4
2
Iza := 0.789 10
mm
mm
f
:=
360
kN
u
Ea := 210
a := 1.1
2
mm
b. Concrete: C25/30 (normal weight concrete)
Ac := 90700

mm
8

Iyc := 7.40975 10
mm
1453 315

2
9
Izc := 2
+ 77.5 45350 = 1.505 10
2

) (

Ecm := 30.5

kN
2

mm
c. Reinforcement: 4 20
As := 1256

mm
2

Iys := 2 628 125 = 1.963 10

kN
Es := 210
fsk := 400
2
mm
s := 1.15

mm
N
2

mm

2. Conditions for the application of the simplified method

fy

Aa
a
The steel ratio: :=
Npl.Rd

fck := 25

c := 1.5 mm2

The plastic resistance to axial compression:

fy
fck
fsk

3
3
N pl.Rd := Aa + Ac 0.85
+ As 10 = 4.777 10
c
a
s

kN

fy 3

a 10
a
:=
= 0.64

Npl.Rd

0.2 < < 0.9

ok!

3. The elastic rigidity; non-dimensional slenderness

For this calculus only: c := 1.35

Ecm

10
EIey := ( Ea Iya) + 0.8
Iyc + ( Es Iys) = 8.7 10
c

kNmm

The non-dimensional slenderness :

:=

Npl.R

l := 6000

Ncr.y

a := 1

c := 1

Npl.R := Aa

mm

s := 1

fy

fck
fsk

3
3
+
A

0.85
+
A

c
s 10 = 5.79 10
a
c

s

2 EI
ey

4
Ncr.y :=
= 2.385 10
2

kN

kN

as

Npl.R

:=

Ncr.y

= 0.493

0.493 < 2

(for the application of the simplified method)

< 0.8 the column rigidity shouldn't be recalculated (from Eurocode 3).
From EC3, buckling curve "b" the buckling factor: := 0.88

4. Checking to centric compression

NSd := 3000
kN

NSd Npl.R

this is true

5. Checking to combined uniaxial bending and compression

5.1. Analysis for bending moments
The checking of conditions regarding the second order effects calculation:
NSd
= 0.126 0.126 > 0.1 (a)
Ncr.y
and

cr := [ 0.2 ( 2 r) ]

M1 := 40 kN
M1
r :=
= 0.4
M2

M2 := 100 kN

:= 0.2( 2 r) = 0.48
> cr (b)
cr

With (a) and (b) => the column should be checked for the second order effects.
From the bending moment diagram:
:= 0.66 + 0.44 r = 0.484
The correction factor:

k :=
1

NSd

= 0.554 0.554 < 1

thus

k := 1

Ncr.y

The second-order moment M.Sd.II is:

MSd.II := k M2 = 100kNm
5.2. The interaction curve:

The plastic resistance of concrete:

c := 1.5

fck

3
3
Npm.Rd := Ac 0.85 10
= 1.285 10
c

The plastic strength modulus for each materials:

- for structural steel

kN

 h
hn tf
2
2
350
1

17.5 10 2 + 300 17.5 350 17.5 2 = 1.994 106

Wpa :=

2
2 2
- for reinforcement
tw := 10 mm
bc := 300 mm
4
3
Wps := 1256 12 = 1.507 10 mm
- for concrete
For PNA in the steel web:

mm

( 300 3502)
157000 1993687.5 = 3.974 106 mm3
Wpc :=
6

hn :=

Npm.Rd10

fck
fck

fy
2 bc 0.85 + 2 tw 2 0.85
c
c

= 72.938

mm

The plastic strength modulus for the section of height 2hn:

2

Wpan := twhn = 5.32 10

mm

Wpcn := bc hn Wpan = 1.543 10

mm

Wpsn := 0 (as there are no reinforcing bars on the height of 2hn).

The bending resistance:

a := 1.1 c := 1.5 s := 1.15

fy
fck
fsk

1
6
Mmax.Rd := Wpa + Wpc 0.85
+
W

ps 10 = 459.318 kNm
a
c
s
2

fy
fck

1
6
Mn.Rd := Wpan + Wpcn 0.85
10 = 22.293
a
c
2

Mpl.Rd := Mmax.Rd Mn.Rd = 437.025

kNm

kNm

The interaction curve has the points coordinates:

A:

NA := Npl.Rd = 4.777 10

kN

MA := 0
NB := 0

B:

MB := Mpl.Rd = 437.025

kNm
3

C:

NC := Npm.Rd = 1.285 10

D:

MC := Mpl.Rd = 437.025
kNm
1
ND := Npm.Rd = 642.458
kN
2
kNm
MD := Mmax.Rd = 459.318

kN

With these points, the non-dimesnional interaction curve is built, with the following coordinates:
A:

x := 0
y := 1

B:

x := 1
y := 0

C: x := 1
Npm.Rd
= 0.269
y := pm pm :=
Npl.Rd
Mmax.Rd
D: x :=
= 1.051
Mpl.Rd
y :=

The interaction curve is drawn, as follows:

pm

= 0.134

We still calculate:
d

:=

:=

NSd
Npl.Rd
( 1

= 0.628

r)

= 0.308

As .d> .pm, the factor of reducing the moment , will be:

:=

( d)
( 1 pm)

= 0.392

The checking in bending:

MSd.II 0.9 Mpl.Rd

true => check ok!