Mechanics based analytical approaches to predict nonlinear behaviour of LSCC beams

This paper presents the details of analytical studies carried out towards the prediction of flexural capacity and load-deflection behaviour of Laced Steel-Concrete Composite (LSCC) beams. Analytical expressions for flexural capacity of the beams are derived in accordance with the basic principles of conventional Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams, but incorporated with relevant modifications to account for the composite nature of the cross-section. The ultimate flexural capacity of the two LSCC beams predicted using the derived expressions is found to be approximately 20% lower than those obtained due to measurement from experiments. Further to these, two simple methods are also proposed on the basis of unit load method and equivalent steel beam method to determine the non-linear load-deflection response of the LSCC beams for monotonic loading. Upon validation of the proposed methods by comparing the predicted responses with those of experiments and finite element analysis, it is found that the methods are useful to find nonlinear response of such composite beams.