Continue to Site

Eng-Tips is the largest engineering community on the Internet

Intelligent Work Forums for Engineering Professionals

  • Congratulations IDS on being selected by the Eng-Tips community for having the most helpful posts in the forums last week. Way to Go!

Composite Slab on continuous beams

Status
Not open for further replies.

hippo11

Structural
Mar 21, 2003
161
Can someone explain to me why it's not a good idea to have composite slab on continuous beams, with regard to negative bending moments?
 
Replies continue below

Recommended for you

The negative contraflexure tends to crack the concrete and because of the continuity, it occurs for a greater length. This is more evident because the deck and concrete are secured to the beams. This distribution of shear connectors tends to be spaced at a greater distance.

Also columns for composite beams often carry up through to support the roof and the beams are 'naturally' interrupted

I've used composite beams continuously without problem, but have staggered the studs on the beam and sawcut down the centre of the beam.
 
If the slab will be covered with carpet or other flexible topping, just make sure there is adequate reinforcing in the slab over the beam and let it crack away! If appearance is an issue, dik's sawcut detail seems pretty good.
 
It may end up being less economical. For continuous beams, I would weld siffeners at the beam conn. to each column. Also there are the cap and base plates required at all columns. This cost difference would increase with a greater number of stories. Without any composite action in the negative region, I would double check my beam size and the bracing of the bottom flange.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Part and Inventory Search

Sponsor