Composite action of structural steel beams and precast concrete slabs

This paper considers the innovative composite behaviour between structural steel beams and precast concrete planks for multi-storey buildings. Whilst it is common practice to use precast concrete planks in Australian building construction, the benefits of composite behaviour have not yet been fully realised with these systems, (National Precast Concrete Association of Australia, 2003). The main advantages of this form of construction are that the precast concrete units and the steel frames are both derived from manufacturing technology rather than a site based activity, and share the quality control, accuracy and reliability of factory production and thus lead to savings associated with reduced construction times. This paper considers the issues that need to be resolved in order to establish composite behaviour. The paper considers various structural forms including hollow-core (Figure 1) or solid precast concrete construction manufactured in Australia and considers the behaviour and design of these systems for both service and ultimate loads.