Slab Behavior in Composite Beams at Openings. II: Tests and Verification

Abstract

Nine full‐scale tests are described in which composite beams containing web holes are studied in an attempt to understand the mechanisjns by means of which the slab participates in carrying vertical shearing force. In particular, the test evidence is examined for support of a truss analogy in which shear studs are considered as vertical tension members, and diagonal compression struts act in the concrete. Parameters investigated include stud configurations, the width of the concrete slab, and detailing of the studs in the hole region. The latter details are varied based on expectation of improved performance deduced from consideration of the truss analogy. Strength predictions are made by the truss analogy, described in a companion paper, and also based on previously published analyses, and test results are summarized for a total of 44 tests collated from many sources. Good agreement between observed and predicted failure loads is demonstrated for both theories. The truss analogy enables a clearer understanding of the slab behavior.