Concrete-steel composite structures

Contents

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 1 Introduction
 2 Composite slabs
 3 Composite beams
 3.1 Downstand beam
 3.2 Shallow floors
 4 Composite columns
 5 Standards
 6 Find out more
 6.1 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
 6.2 External sources

Introduction
Structural members that are made up of two or more different materials are known
as composite elements. The main benefit of composite elements is that the properties of
each material can be combined to form a single unit that performs better overall than its
separate constituent parts. The most common form of composite element in construction is
a steel-concrete composite, however, other types of composites include; steel-timber, timber-
concrete, plastic-concrete, and so on.

As a material, concrete works well in compression, but it has less resistance in tension. Steel,
however, is very strong in tension, even when used only in relatively small amounts. Steel-
concrete composite elements use concrete's compressive strength alongside steel's resistance
to tension, and when tied together this results in a highly efficient and lightweight unit that is
commonly used for structures such as multi-storey buildings and bridges.

Composite slabs
Composite slabs are typically constructed from reinforced concrete cast on top of
profiled steeldecking, (re-entrant or trapezoidal).

The decking is capable of acting as formwork and a working platform during

the constructionstage, as well as acting as external reinforcement at the composite stage.
Decking is lifted into place in bundles and distributed across the floor area by hand.

Slab depths range from 130 mm upwards. Slabs are most commonly made of concretebecause
of its mass and stiffness which can be used to reduce the floor's deflections and vibrations, and
achieve the necessary fire protection and thermal storage. Steel is often used as the supporting
system underneath the slab due to its superior strength-weight and stiffness-weight ratio and
ease of handling.

Re-entrant or trapezoidal decking is usually 50-60 mm deep and can span around 3 m
unsupported. Trapezoidal profiles of 80 mm deep can span around 4.5 m unsupported. Deep
decking is trapezoidal decking that is over 200 mm deep, and if required,
additional reinforcement may be placed in the decking troughs. Deep decking can span around
6 m unsupported.
Galvanised steel is used for the decking and is usually around 1 mm thick. To avoid
local buckling, stiffeners may be used to stiffen the upper flange and support hangers for
relatively lightweight items to be suspended from the soffit. Dimples known as embossments are
rolled onto the decking profile which trap the concrete around the re-entrant parts of the profile
and allow for interlocking.

Where openings are required in composite slabs these are best formed at the constructionstage
as opposed to having to cut out sections of concrete. Up to 300 sq. mm openings do not need
additional provisions, but up to 700 sq. mm require additional local reinforcement around the
opening. If openings are in excess of 700 sq. mm, trimming steel can be used as support.

Composite beams
Downstand beam

A downstand beam is connected to a composite slab by the use of through-deck welded

shear studs. Alternatively, a precast concrete slab sits on top of the steel beam's top flange. The
effective span range is around 6-12 m. Other variations on downstand beams can
reach spansof 20 m or more.

Shallow floors

Shallow floors are where the main part of the steel section is within the concrete slab depth, and
can be used for a span range of around 4-9 m. As opposed to downstand beams, the slabsits
on the upper surface of the bottom flange instead of the upper surface of the top flange, with a
key consideration being the torsion that is applied to the beam. The slab may be either in
situ concrete on deep steel decking, usually around 225 mm, or precast concrete.

The benefits of shallow floors are that since the slabs and beams are placed within the same
zone, there are none of the interruptions found with downstand beams, and there is often no
need for additional fire protection.

Composite columns
Composite columns can have high strength for a relatively small cross-sectional area, meaning
that useable floor space can be maximised. There are several different types of composite
column; the most common being a hollow section steel tube which is filled with concrete; or an
open steel section encased in concrete. The concrete infill adds to the compression resistance
of the steel section, preventing the steel from buckling. Its fire resistant properties can permit
the column to be left unprotected or only lightly protected.

Rectangular and circular hollow sections are most commonly used, although
rectangular sections are beneficial for being having flat faces suitable for end plate beam-to-
columnconnections. However, fin plates can be used for rectangular and circular shapes.

Standards
The design of composite beams and composite slabs (for buildings) are covered by BS EN
1994-1-1. Composite slabs with profiled steel sheeting are designed to BS 5950-4, while the
profiled decking used for those slabs is designed to BS EN 1993-1-3.