Steel Beam Top Flange & metal Decks 1

[sam001]

I have a concrete slab supported on a steel beam; the metal deck is attached to a steel beam by 3/4" dia. Puddle weld at 12" O.C.. Can I consider the beam top flange is Continuously braced? Any one knows the answer. Thanks

 

[SlideRuleEra]

In my opinon, yes.

 

[aggman]

I would agree with SlideRuleEra. But to satisfy yourself, why don't you just calculate the flange force required to brace the member. For the old school method you could just use the moment in the member, divided by the (flange depth - thickness of flange). This gives you an approximate flange force. Then take 2% of that force and that is the reguired force to brace the flange. See if the puddle weld is strong enough to handle the lateral shear and the in plane shear from composite action. If it isn't then you can either add more welds, or do a more exact analysis using the new LRFD spec.

 

[jjeng2]

Are there shear studs?
I would say yes either way but definetely if there are studs.

 

[UcfSE]

I agree with SlideRuleEra. Be sure to check it for bracing conditions during construction, i.e. before the slab hardens. Sometimes when you have a long span, say 8-10 feet, for the deck it won't brace the beam well until the slab hardens. Of course that depends on the deck and span you have. It might be a good idea to check the beam as unbraced for dead load only, or maybe for construction loads if you have those, and then as braced for dead and live load or other loads present after the slab hardens.