Description
Different construction challenges followed by harsh environmental conditions, triggered the human intention for precast composite structures. The precast concrete hollow core (PCHC) slabs have been popular especially for multi-story long-span composite structures. In comparison to conventional solid concrete slabs, they have the advantages of being more light-weighted, fire-resistant, soundproof, and sustainable. However, the composite action between the steel beams and PCHC slabs is neglected in the design codes. This paper aims to investigate the composite action between the PCHC slabs and steel beams through an experimental study. Two full-scale flexural tests were performed on specimens of 203- and 254 cm depth connected to the steel beam via 19- mm diameter shear studs. The failure modes and crack formations were recorded by instrumentations and data acquisition system. The degree of composite action (DCA), an important parameter to describe the structural behaviour of the composite beam, was calculated based on the displacement method.
The digital image correlation (DIC) technique was also applied to capture the neutral axis position during the loading process. Finally, the experimental results were verified based on the DIC technique.
