New alternative for connections by adherence: composite beam tests

Abstract

In the last years, it was observed a great process of industrialization of construction and the in countries with emerging markets that triggered the search for building systems that could be more efficient. In this context, steel-concrete composite structures seem to be a formidable candidate to attend this demand. Another relevant question is the types of concrete slabs, one that is usually used in small buildings in the Brazilian market are the ribbed slabs, thus deserving also a detailed investigation on how this type of slab behaves in the context of composite structures. In the context of composite beams, Adherence connection, where the resistance is due to adhesion, friction, and interlocking between several interfaces, is a particularly promising solution. Thus the scope of this research was to evaluate the applicability of connections by adherence in the context of ribbed slabs type concerning its flexural behavior. For that, it was done a systematic literature review to understand the flexural behavior and functioning of adherence connections better. Besides, it was evaluated and discussed aspects of the structural behavior of distinct composite beams based only on the slab typology through an experimental program (Flexural and Dynamic tests), where the connection by Adherence was obtained by a checkered steel plate welded on top flange of the beams. From the systematic review, it was possible to do a qualitative analysis of principal aspects of these composite structures with linear steel connectors. From the experimental program, it was possible to evaluate the behavior of a new alternative for connection by adherence, with different types of slabs, ribbed and solid, composite beams with ribbed slabs showed better results, achieving until 83.32 % of level of interaction, while the beams with solid slabs obtained the maximum degree of interaction of 75.29 %. Regarding the dynamic tests, it was possible to measure the reduction in the bending rigidity of the composite beam after the static tests indirectly. Thus, from the experimental program and the systematic review, At last, it can be said that linear connectors formed by a checkered steel plate can be used in composite beams built with solid or ribbed slabs, being a viable option for structural engineering.