8/8/2018 Composite construction - Steelconstruction.

info

Home
Print PDF

SteelConstruction.info
The free encyclopedia for UK steel construction information

Steel For Life BCSA SCI Steel Knowledge

Log in / create account

Views

Composite construction
From Steelconstruction.info

Composite construction dominates the non-residential multi-storey building sector. This has been the case for over
twenty years. Its success is due to the strength and stiffness that can be achieved, with minimum use of materials.

The reason why composite construction is often so good can be expressed in one simple way - concrete is good in
compression and steel is good in tension. By joining the two materials together structurally these strengths can be
exploited to result in a highly efficient and lightweight design. The reduced self weight of composite elements has
a knock-on effect by reducing the forces in those elements supporting them, including the foundations. Composite
systems also offer benefits in terms of speed of construction. The floor depth reductions that can be achieved using
composite construction can also provide significant benefits in terms of the costs of services and the building
envelope.

The scope of this article covers composite beams, composite slabs, composite columns and composite connections.
Whilst beams and slabs are very common in UK construction, indeed there exist a number of different basic types
of composite beam, composite columns and composite connections are much less so. The reasons for this are
considered below.

Contents
1 Design of composite elements and systems
2 How and why composite construction works
3 Types of composite beam
3.1 Downstand beams
https://www.steelconstruction.info/Composite_construction#cite_note-BS5950-3-1-1 1/10
8/8/2018 Composite construction - Steelconstruction.info

3.2 Long span solutions

3.3 Shallow floor solutions
4 Composite slabs
5 Composite columns
6 Composite connections
7 References
8 Further reading
9 Resources
10 See also
11 External links

[top]Design of composite
elements and systems
Design of composite beams in the UK has
traditionally been carried out to BS 5950-3-1[1].
Composite slabs with profiled steel sheeting Trapezoidal decking installed on downstand beams
have been designed to BS 5950-4[2] and
the
profiled decking used for those slabs to
BS 5950-6[3]. There was no British Standards guidance for composite columns. Design of composite beams and
composite slabs(for buildings) is now covered by BS EN 1994-1-1[4]. BS 5950-6[3] has been superseded by BS EN
1993-1-3[5]

More information on the relative status of the structural Eurocodes and the British Standards can be found by
following the link here.

[top]How and why composite construction works

The plastic stress distribution in a typical downstand beam acting compositely with a composite slab is shown. The
relative proportions of the steel section and slab mean that, as is commonly the case, the plastic neutral axis lies
within the concrete. All the steel is therefore in tension.

Plastic stress distribution in a composite beam

https://www.steelconstruction.info/Composite_construction#cite_note-BS5950-3-1-1 2/10
8/8/2018 Composite construction - Steelconstruction.info

Concrete is a material that works well in compression but has negligible resistance in tension. Hence for structural
purposes it traditionally relies on steel reinforcement to carry any tensile forces (this is the role played by the steel
part of a composite cross section, which is effectively external reinforcement), or must be pre-stressed so that even
when subject to tension, an element is in net compression.

For the concrete part (within the so-called effective width) of a

cross section to carry compression, and the steel part to carry
tension, the two materials must be structurally tied together. For
downstand beams this is achieved using headed shear studs,
which are attached to the upper flange of the steel beam. This
attachment is normally achieved with so-called through deck
welding. The profiled metal decking that forms the basis of the
composite slabs is sandwiched between the base of the stud and
the top flange, and the welding process joins all three together.
The presence of galvanizing on the decking does not affect
weld quality.

In exceptional circumstances through deck welding can be

avoided by using single span lengths of decking (which butt up
to rows of studs welded directly to the top flange in the Composite floor components – downstand edge
fabrication shop), or cutting holes in the decking so that it can beam, longitudinal trapezoidal decking, through
be dropped over the shop welded studs. deck welded shear stud, edge trim and concrete

Other forms of shear connection are available, including larger

diameter studs and shot-fired connectors, but for buildings by far the most common option is 19 mm diameter
headed studs. Their resistance according to BS EN 1994[4], when used with transverse decking is less than the
resistance given in BS 5950-3-1[1]. Also, BS EN 1994[4] states that not more than two studs can be used per trough
when the decking runs transverse to the beam axis.

One of the advantages of welded studs is that they are considered to be ductile, which means that (in the absence of
any fatigue considerations) the connection can be designed using plastic principles because it is assumed that force
can be transferred between adjacent studs. This greatly simplifies the design process.

When a beam is designed with full shear connection it means that sufficient connectors are present to either fully
fail the concrete in compression, or fully fail the steel section in tension (whichever is the smaller force). Reduced
numbers of connectors may however be used, resulting in so called partial shear connection. This usually happens
if the applied loading is at a low enough level, for example, in the common cases where a beam design is governed
by construction stage or serviceability considerations. However, codes also specify a certain minimum degree of
connection that is needed to prevent excessive slip between the steel and concrete, which would result in failure of
the connectors.

Until it was amended in 2010, BS 5950-3-1[1], which was written in the 1980s, took a fairly simplistic approach to
the issue of minimum degree of shear connection. BS EN 1994[4] recognises two additional parameters that
influence this minimum degree, namely steel grade and the effect of asymmetry when one of the beam flanges is
larger than the other (a smaller top flange is often used as the concrete carries most of the compression, but such
asymmetry places higher demands, in terms of slip capacity, on the shear studs). For S275 steel and symmetric
sections the limits in BS EN 1994[4] are considerably less onerous than those found in BS5950[1]. For asymmetric
beams they are considerably more onerous. Even BS EN 1994[4] fails to recognise the considerable benefits when
the beam is unpropped during construction, as most are. It also fails to explicitly recognize the benefits to be had
when the beam has regularly spaced large web openings, or is only part utilized in bending (because SLS

https://www.steelconstruction.info/Composite_construction#cite_note-BS5950-3-1-1 3/10
8/8/2018 Composite construction - Steelconstruction.info

considerations govern design). SCI P405,

published by SCI in 2015 as a replacement for
NCCI produced by SCI (Pn002a ) allows the
minimum degree of connection to be relaxed
when certain criteria are satisfied.

The benefit of joining the steel and concrete

together structurally is to increase the resistance
of the steel beam alone; typically this will be by
around a factor of two. The stiffness may
increase by up to a factor of three. The relative
benefits decrease with span, as the size of the
steel beam increases relative to the size of the
slab.

The components of a composite beam are as

described above, but the same principles apply
Through deck welding of shear studs to composite slabs and composite columns. A
(transverse re-entrant decking) slab uses profiled steel decking in place of a

steel section, and force is transferred via embossments and

certain aspects of the deck geometry (rather than discrete shear
studs). A composite column may be either a hollow section
steel tube filled with concrete, or an open steel section encased
in concrete. Force is transferred between the two materials by
friction and, where needed, discrete mechanical connectors,
including shear studs that may be attached to an embedded
steel section. With all forms of composite construction it is
important for the designer not to forget the construction stage.
Assuming that there is no temporary propping, the steel part of
a composite cross section must alone resist self weight and
other construction loads as the concrete at that stage is
ineffective. Not only is the resistance less, but there may be
instability phenomena to consider. When acting compositely
the top flange of a steel beam is restrained laterally by the slab, Steel frame with |composite beams during
but during construction lateral torsional buckling (LTB) may construction
reduce the effective resistance - only when the decking runs (Image courtesy of Structural Metal Decks Ltd.)
transversely and is properly fixed does it prevent LTB - further
guidance is available covering both design, in SCI P359 , and
detailing, in SCI P300.

[top]Types of composite beam

Three general types of composite beam are considered below. The drivers that are relevant to a particular project
will affect which flooring system is the most appropriate.

[top]Downstand beams

The most common type of composite beam is one where a composite slab sits on top of a downstand beam,
connected by the use of through deck welded shear studs. This form of construction offers a number of advantages
- the decking acts as external reinforcement at the composite stage, and during the construction stage as formwork
https://www.steelconstruction.info/Composite_construction#cite_note-BS5950-3-1-1 4/10
8/8/2018 Composite construction - Steelconstruction.info

and a working platform. It may also provide lateral restraint to

the beams during construction. The decking is lifted into place
in bundles, which are then distributed across the floor area by
hand. This dramatically reduces the crane lifts when compared
with a precast based alternative.

Further guidance on practical aspects of decking placement

may be found in the best practice guide SCI P300.

Another common type of composite beam is one where, as with

a traditional non-composite steel framed solution, a precast
concrete slab sits on top of the top flange of the steel beam. The
effective span range for this type of solution is around 6 to
12 m, which therefore makes it a competitor to a number of Exposed ends of precast units ready for
concrete flooring options. Particular detailing is required for the reinforcement and in-situ concrete
shear connection when precast units are used, so that the body
of the precast units can be mobilised as part of the concrete
compression flange. See SCI P401 for more information.

[top]Long span solutions

A number of variations on the idea of downstand beams are available to meet long-span needs. They provide the
opportunity to achieve longer spans (20 m or more) than are possible using a 'standard' solid web, rolled downstand
beam.

[top]Shallow floor solutions

Shallow floors offer a range of benefits such as minimising the overall

height of a building for a given number of floors, or maximising the
number of floors for a given height of building. Additionally, a flat
soffit is achieved - there are none of the interruptions found with
downstand beams - which gives complete freedom for the distribution
of services below the floor. These benefits should be considered in the
context of a given project to identify when they are most appropriate.

The shallowness of the floors is achieved by placing the slabs and

beams within the same zone. This is achieved by using asymmetric
steel beams with a wider bottom than top flange, which enables the
The USFB system slab to sit on the upper surface of the bottom flange with adequate
(Image courtesy of Kloeckner Westok) bearing, rather than the upper surface of the top flange as found with
downstand beams. The floor slab may be in the form of a precast
concrete slab or a composite slab with metal decking (either shallow or deep decking may be used). An added
benefit is that some forms of shallow floor construction inherently achieve composite interaction between the
beams and slab, thereby enhancing structural efficiency.

A number of shallow floor solutions are available, including Ultra Shallow Floor Beams (USFB) from Kloeckner
Westok, and ArcelorMittal's Slim Floor.

Kloeckner Westok’s USFB system comprises a shallow and asymmetric Westok cellular beam with reinforcement
placed through the cells to anchor the slab to the beam. ‘Plug Composite Action’ can be mobilised for USFBs,
which has been demonstrated using full-scale laboratory testing, to further enhance the capacity of the section. To
mobilise ‘Plug Composite Action’, the following detailing should be adopted:
https://www.steelconstruction.info/Composite_construction#cite_note-BS5950-3-1-1 5/10
8/8/2018 Composite construction - Steelconstruction.info

Composite slabs with metal decking: Concrete cast level with, or above, the top flange
Precast units generally: Minimum 50mm topping level with, or above the top flange
Hollowcore units: Every 2nd core broken out and filled with concrete and reinforced through the cell
Solid in-situ slabs: Concrete cast level with (or above) the top flange

USFBs can economically span up to 10m with structural depths that compare very favourably with R.C. flat slabs.
As such, they are popular in many sectors, particularly Education, Commercial and Residential.

USFB with precast hollocore slabs USFB with deep decking

(Image courtesy of Kloeckner Westok) (Image courtesy of Kloeckner Westok)

[top]Composite slabs
Composite slabs comprise reinforced concrete cast on top of profiled steel decking, which acts as formwork during
construction and external reinforcement at the final stage. The decking may be either re-entrant or trapezoidal, as
shown below. Trapezoidal decking may be over 200 mm deep, in which case it is known as deep decking.
Additional reinforcing bars may be placed in the decking troughs, particularly for deep decking. They are
sometimes required in shallow decking when heavy loads are combined with high periods of fire resistance.

Re-entrant and trapezoidal decking

Re-entrant decking Trapezoidal decking

https://www.steelconstruction.info/Composite_construction#cite_note-BS5950-3-1-1 6/10
8/8/2018 Composite construction - Steelconstruction.info

The figure below shows the geometry of a typical 80 mm trapezoidal deck. The steel is galvanized and may be of
varying thickness, although about 1 mm is typical. Because it is so thin, there is a need for stiffeners to avoid local
buckling when it is acting as a bare steel section to support the wet weight of concrete and other construction loads.
The re-entrant stiffener shown at the top of the decking not only stiffens the upper flange but can also be used to
support hangers for relatively lightweight items suspended from the soffit. Interlock is achieved through
embossments (dimples) that are rolled into the decking profile, and by trapping the concrete around the re-entrant
parts of the profile. There are no standard decking profiles, so the interaction achieved by the embossments, etc of
each propriety deck is different. It is determined by tests undertaken by the deck manufacturer.

The results of such tests have traditionally been translated into

so-called m and k empirical constants that define the
performance of a particular deck. BS EN 1994[4] also includes
an option to determine the shear bond per unit area of slab (τ),
which can then be used as part of a more sophisticated
approach (the τ value is analogous to the resistance of a shear
stud). Designers obtain the relevant information (implicitly)
from software or brochures provided by the decking
Geometry of typical 80 mm trapezoidal decking manufacturers.

The profiled decking is often designed to be continuous over

two spans when acting as formwork. Composite slabs are normally designed to be simple spanning at room
temperature, but continuous under fire conditions. This continuity is achieved thanks to nominal reinforcement,
which also fulfils other roles such as crack control, that continues over intermediate supports (its influence -
assumed to be beneficial - is ignored for room temperature design).

Re-entrant or trapezoidal decking of 50 to 60 mm depth can span around 3 m unpropped, 80 mm deep trapezoidal
profiles can span up to around 4.5 m unpropped, and deep decking can achieve around 6 m. Overall slab depths
range from 130 mm upwards. Two hours fire resistance can be achieved without the need to fire protect the steel
decking.

It is possible to form openings in composite slabs, although this should be planned and the openings formed at the
construction stage rather than having to cut out concrete. Openings up to 300 mm square require no additional
provisions, those up to 700 mm require additional reinforcement locally around the opening, and those in excess of
700 mm require the use of trimming steel to support the opening.

Further guidance on the design and detailing of composite slabs is given in SCI P359 and SCI P300 respectively,
fire design to the Eurocodes is discussed in SCI P375, and guidance on the installation of metal decking is also
available.

[top]Composite columns
Composite columns may take a range of forms, as shown in the figure below. As with all composite elements they
are attractive because they play to the relative strengths of both steel and concrete. This can result in a high
resistance for a relatively small cross sectional area, thereby maximising useable floor space. They also exhibit
particularly good performance in fire conditions.

Design rules for composite columns in structural frames are given in BS EN 1994-1-1[4]. This is the first time that
guidance has been given in a code for use in the UK, which may explain why composite columns have been rarely
used to date. Rules are provided for composite H sections, either fully or 'partially encased' (web infill only), and
https://www.steelconstruction.info/Composite_construction#cite_note-BS5950-3-1-1 7/10
8/8/2018 Composite construction - Steelconstruction.info

for concrete filled hollow

sections. Typical cross sections
are shown. Composite columns
requiring formwork during
execution tend not to be viewed
as cost-effective in the UK.

Concrete filled hollow section

compression members need no
formwork and they use material
more efficiently than an
Typical composite column cross sections equivalent H section. Concrete
infill adds significantly to the
compression resistance of the
bare steel section by sharing the load and preventing the steel from buckling locally. The gain in fire resistance
may be at least as valuable, especially if it permits the column to be left unprotected or only lightly protected. Infill
concrete retains free water which in other situations would be lost; its latent heat of evaporation significantly
delays temperature rise.

Rectangular and circular hollow sections can be used. Rectangular sections have the advantage of flat faces for end
plate beam-to-column connections (using Flowdrill or Hollo-bolt connections). Ordinary fin plates can be
employed with either shape.

A programme, FireSoft, for the design of concrete filled hollow sections in ambient and fire conditions has been
developed.

[top]Composite connections
Although design guidance exists for composite connections (SCI P213 ), they have been very little used in the UK
(or indeed elsewhere in Europe). In theory they appear to be attractive, as slab reinforcement can be used to avoid
the need to add to the steelwork connection, for example with extra rows of bolts in an extended end plate.
However, it is difficult to achieve the correct detailing for composite connections, because the needs for strength,
stiffness and ductility can border on the mutually exclusive - too little reinforcement will reduce connection
ductility (rotation capacity) because of potential rebar failure, too much will reduce ductility because of concrete
crushing failure.

In an effort to overcome some of the practical issues, so that the inherently attractive features of composite
connections can be more widely exploited, research work is on-going in Europe and may result in the inclusion of
specific guidance in a revised version of BS EN 1994-1-1[4] planned for around 2021.

[top]References
1. BS 5950-3-1: 1990+A1:2010 Structural use of steelwork in building . Design in composite construction.
Code of practice for design of simple and continuous composite beams. BSI
2. BS 5950-4: 1994 Structural use of steelwork in building. Code of practice for design of composite slabs with
profiled steel sheeting. BSI
3. BS 5950-6: 1995 Structural use of steelwork in building Part 6. Code of practice for design of light gauge
profiled steel sheeting. BSI
4. BS EN 1994-1-1: 2004 Eurocode 4. Design of composite steel and concrete structures. General rules and
rules for buildings. BSI

https://www.steelconstruction.info/Composite_construction#cite_note-BS5950-3-1-1 8/10