PSI - Issue 64

Parinaz Panjehbashi Aghdam et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 64 (2024) 65–73 Panjehbashi et al. (2024)/ Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2019) 000 – 000

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flexural tests. Moreover, as an innovation, the digital image correlation technique (DIC) was applied to locate the position of the neutral axis during the loading procedure. 2. Flexural beam test 2.1. Test setup In this study, two full-scale (four-point) flexural tests were conducted on identical W610x101 (24x68) composite beams with PCHC slabs. The selection of the W-beam size was in accordance with practical considerations for application in construction, compliance with standards, and sustainability during the loading procedure. The composite behavior between the W-beam and PCHC slabs was ensured by Nelson studs of 19 mm (Low carbon steel 19 mm x 157.2 mm, referred to as type B). A total of twelve shear studs at regular intervals of 305 mm were welded to the top flange of the steel beam. The characteristics of the Nelson studs were investigated through tensile tests in line with ASTM E8-04 (2004). The displacement-controlled loading was applied at rates of 0.025 mm/s and 0.83 mm/s until the yield and ultimate strength stages, respectively. The type B shear stud of 19 mm represented a minimum yield strength of 410 MPa, an ultimate strength of 550 MPa, and a minimum elongation of 20%. Four PCHC slabs of 762 mm by 1216 mm with a thickness of 203- and 254 mm were placed on the top flange of the W610x101 (24x68) beam on each side (eight in total). The 254- and 203 mm PCHC slabs feature hollow cores of 185- and 145 mm in diameter with a center-to-center distance of 225- and 198 mm, respectively. To provide the attachment between the steel beam and PCHC slabs, a 51 mm topping concrete was cast for both specimens. During the casting process, plastic caps were placed 20 cm from the interior edge of the PCHC panels to prevent the flow of the casting concrete inside the hollow cores. To provide stability for the setup, HSS sections were improvised under the edges of the PCHC slabs and connected to the steel beam web. The test setup of the full-scale flexural specimens is presented in Fig.3.

Fig. 3. Four-point bending test setup of the full-scale composite beam test.