Tests of composite beams with web openings

Abstract EN

The aim of this study is to investigate experimentally the structural behavior of simply supported composite beams, in which a concrete slab is connected together with a steel I-beam by means of headed stud shear connectors under the presence of web openings.

Six composite beams with constant degree of interaction were tested under central concentrated static load.

One of the beams is constructed without web opening while the others contain various number, location and shape of openings.

Deflection at midspan and at the ends of each opening were observed versus load.

The experimental results show that the web openings decrease the strength of composite beams in the range of 19 % to 24 % for the tested specimens.

Distinctive effects for the location, number and shape of openings took place after initiation of section yielding.

Different patterns of cracks at concrete slab were observed.