A Numerical and Theoretical Investigation of the Flexural Behavior of Steel–Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Composite Slabs

The steel–Ultra-High-Performance concrete (UHPC) composite slab is a new type of structure made of steel and UHPC connected by pegs, and its flexural mechanical properties and related design methods need to be further investigated. Firstly, a detailed numerical model of the steel UHPC composite slab is established and validated based on previous flexural behavior experimental research. Secondly, the flexural failure mechanisms of steel–UHPC composite slabs are clarified through finite element analysis. Under positive bending moments, when the degree of shear connection is lower than 100%, the ultimate load capacity of the composite slabs is determined by the shear capacity of the pegs. On the contrary, there are no significant changes in the load-carrying capacity of all the specimens, but there is a slight increase in stiffness. Under negative bending moments, the load-bearing capacity, stiffness, and crack resistance of the composite slab are improved as the degree of shear connection and reinforcement ratio increase. Finally, the method used to calculate the flexural capacity of steel–UHPC composite plates under positive and negative bending moments with high accuracy is proposed based on the analytical results. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the design of flexural performance of steel–UHPC composite slab.

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