Flexural behavior of shallow cellular composite floor beams with innovative shear connections

Abstract This paper presents an experimental study of the flexural behavior and shear transfer mechanisms of shallow cellular composite beams where the concrete passing through the steel web opening is combined with a steel tie-bar element to form the shear connection. Four full-scale flexural tests were undertaken aiming to provide information on their flexural behaviors, and to assess the shear resisting properties and the failure mechanisms of the proposed shear connections. The tested composite beams showed satisfactory composite behavior and satisfactory horizontal shear resistance. It is demonstrated that combining the tie-bar with the concrete significantly increases the shear resistance, slip capacity and ductility of the shear connections. Based on the test findings, design procedures of shallow cellular floor beams which are in accordance with the stress method presented in EC4 and BS5950-3.1 and of the shear connection were developed. The design procedures were verified against the test results and were found to be consistent.