Effect of concrete inter-blocks spacing on the mechanical behavior of demountable steel-concrete floors under flexure

Abstract

The article explores an innovative solution for demountable and reusable composite structures, where concrete panel blocks are bolted to steel beams. Three-point bending tests on these floor systems were studied both experimentally and numerically. Results showed a good agreement between experimental test results and simulations, which allowed validating the numerical model. A parametric analysis was then performed using the numerical model developed. In such parametric study, different concrete inter-blocks spacings were considered. It revealed that a spacing of 0.5 mm between the blocks provides the best match with experimental results. Such analysis also highlighted the fact that concrete interlocks spacing modifies the mechanical behavior of the composite panel floors studied. It thus emphasized the importance of accounting for such parameter when developing composite and demountable steel/concrete floors.