Steel‐Deck‐Reinforced Concrete Diaphragms. II

Abstract

This is the second of two companion papers that focus on the behavior and analysis of steel‐deck‐reinforced concrete floor diaphragms. (The companion paper presents experimental results and behavioral aspects, including the limit states observed in the test program, observed failure loads and initial stiffness values.) The research program included analytical studies in the form of finite‐element analyses and the development of expressions to determine strength and stiffness. The nonlinear behavior of arc‐spot welds, headed shear studs and deck‐concrete interface was incorporated in the finite‐element models. Comparisons between the finite‐element studies and experimental results are presented in this paper. The analytical procedure, based partly on the finite‐element results, provides expressions for calculating the strength and stiffness of composite diaphragms in a cantilever configuration. The strength calculations are based on the three limit states that are of practical significance; diagonal tension failure of the concrete slab, edge connector failure, or shear‐transfer mechanism failure. The second two limit states are dependent on force distributions at the perimeter framing members, which are determined from the finite‐element analyses.