• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.86 no.6
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• pp.793-815
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• 2023

The current study looks at the experimental and numerical performance of ferrocement RC channel slabs reinforced with welded steel mesh, expanded steel mesh, and fiber glass mesh individually. Ten RC channel slabs with dimensions of 500 mm×40 mm×2500 mm were subjected to flexural loadings as part of the testing program. The type of reinforcing materials, the number of mesh layers, and the reinforcement volume fraction are the key parameters that can be changed. The main goal is to determine the impact of using new inventive materials to reinforce composite RC channel slabs. Using ANSYS -16.0 Software, nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) was used to simulate the behavior of composite channel slabs. Parametric study is also demonstrated to identify variables that can have a significant impact on the model's mechanical behavior, such as changes in slab dimensions. The obtained experimental and numerical results indicated that FE simulations had acceptable accuracy in estimating experimental values. Also, it's significant to demonstrate that specimens reinforced with fiber glass meshes gained approximately 12% less strength than specimens reinforced with expanded or welded steel meshes. In addition, Welded steel meshes provide 24% increase in strength over expanded steel meshes when reinforcing RC channel slabs. In general, ferrocement specimens tested under flexural loadings outperform conventional reinforced concrete specimens in terms of ultimate loads and energy absorbing capacity.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.92 no.1
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• pp.1-23
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• 2024

The current study examines the experimental and numerical performance of reinforced concrete (RC) channel slabs made of ferrocement that have been reinforced with fiber glass, expanded steel mesh, and welded steel mesh. As part of the testing program, ten RC channel slabs with dimensions of 500 mm×40 mm×2500 mm were loaded flexibly. The three main factors that can be altered are the mesh layer count, the type of reinforcing materials, and the reinforcement volume fraction. The main objective is to assess the effects of fortifying composite RC channel slabs with novel inventive materials. ANSYS-16.0 Software was used to simulate the behavior of composite channel slabs using nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA). It also shows how parametric analysis can be used to pinpoint variables like variations in slab dimensions that could significantly affect the mechanical behavior of the model. The obtained experimental and numerical results showed that finite element (FE) simulations had a tolerable degree of accuracy in estimating experimental values. It is crucial to show that specimens strengthened with fiber glass meshes gained about 12% lessstrength than specimens strengthened with expanded or welded steel meshes. In addition, RC channel slab reinforcement made of welded steel meshes has a 24% higher strength than expanded steel meshes. Tested under flexural loads, ferrocement specimens outperform conventional reinforced concrete specimens in terms of ultimate loads and energy absorption.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.467-480
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• 2015

The steel-concrete composite decks have high fatigue durability and deformability in comparison with ordinary RC slabs. Withal, the steel-concrete composite deck is mostly heavier than the RC slabs. We have proposed herein a new type of steel-concrete composite deck which is lighter than the typical steel-concrete composite decks. This can be achieved by arranging hollow sectional members as shear connectors, namely, half-pipe or channel shear connectors. The present study aims to experimentally investigate mechanical characteristics of the half-pipe shear connectors under the direct shear force. The shear bond capacity and deformability of the half-pipe shear connectors are strongly affected by the thickness-to-diameter ratio. Additionally, the shear strengths of the hollow shear connectors (i.e. the half-pipe and the channel shear connectors) are compared. Furthermore, shear capacities of the hollow shear connectors equivalent to headed stud connectors are also discussed.