Tests on Composite Beams with Cellular Deck

The results of tests on 15 composite beams with cellular metal decking, and 39 push-out tests are described. The influence of rib geometry on the load-deflection characteristics of the beams and on the maximum strength of the push-out specimens is shown. There is considerable improvement in strength and stiffness over the non-composite beams. The mode of cracking of the concrete in the cellular deck is influenced by the dimensions of the ribs although all beams were able to sustain an increased load during increased deflection, after the cracking occurred. Three types of connector arrangements and three beam sizes were tested. None of these variations had any significant influence on the load-deflection characteristics of the composite beams. Tests with two high-strength steel I-beams showed an increased load capacity due primarily to the delay in occurrence of yield in the lower fibers, of the beams. The occurrence of first yielding under the load-points of a two-point load system appears in some instances to trigger off cracking of the concrete in the ribs of the deck.