Structural Behavior of Battle-Deck Floor Systems

Results of two years of investigating the behavior of battle-deck flooring are reported in this paper. Four one-third sized models and one full-sized floor panel, designed on the basis of the results obtained on the preliminary models, were tested under the action of a concentrated wheel load, such as the specifications recommended for H-20 loading. The battle-deck flooring acted as an• integral unit distributing the wheel load over various stringers, with the amount of load taken by the several stringers depending on their spacing. The plate acted with the stringer so as to form a T-beam which, if taken into account in the design, might result in an economy of 10 to 15 per cent. The width of plate contributing to the T-beam action was also found to depend on the stringer spacing. When the stringers were coped in on the floor-beams, partial fixation resulted with further economy in design. The models were loaded with dead weights, and the full-sized floor panel was tested by means of a jack and spring device. The test results gave a basis on which to formulate a rational design method for battle-deck floor systems.