Experimental and numerical studies on concrete encased embossments of steel strips under shear action for composite slabs with profiled steel decking

The subject of the ongoing research work is to analyze the composite action of the structural elements of composite slabs with profiled steel decking by experimental and numerical studies. The mechanical and frictional interlocks result in a complex behaviour and failure under horizontal shear action. This is why the design characteristics can be determined only by standardized experiments. The aim of the current research is to develop a computational method which can predict the behaviour of embossed mechanical bond under shear actions, in order to derive the design characteristics of composite slabs with profiled steel decking. In the first phase of the research a novel experimental analysis is completed on an individual concrete encased embossment of steel strip under shear action. The experimental behaviour modes and failure mechanisms are determined. In parallel with the tests a finite element model is developed to follow the ultimate behaviour of this type of embossment, assuming that the phenomenon is governed by the failure of the steel part. The model is verified and applied to analyse the effect of embossment's parameters on the behaviour. In the extended investigation different friction coefficients, plate thicknesses, heights and the size effects are studied. On the basis of the results the tendencies of the ultimate behaviour and resistance by the studied embossment's characteristics are concluded.