Development of a New Composite Slab System Using a Carbon Fiber–Blended Cementitious Adhesive

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study to develop a new composite slab system consisting of a concrete deck with reinforcing bars, steel plates welded with rib connectors, and a carbon fiber–blended cementitious adhesive. The adhesive has unique characteristics such as rust resistance and being waterproof and can be sprayed onto a steel substrate. The foci of the present research are bond performance of the adhesive, which is an interfacial medium between the concrete and steel plates, bond-slip response of the interface, and structure-level investigations. Test parameters include the presence of an adhesive layer, the age of the concrete-steel interface linked with the adhesive, and the configuration of rib connectors. Adequate curing time for the concrete-steel interface with the adhesive is found to take at least 7 days to achieve reasonable composite action. The adhesive layer significantly improves the performance of the interface, including bond slip and load-carrying capacities. The shape of perforation in the rib is not a significant factor on the behavior of the interface. Although the proposed composite concept is promising, progressive bond deterioration is an important consideration, and further research is necessary.