Three-dimensional finite element modeling for bending and pull-out tests of composite slabs

This article introduces a novel modeling and simulation methodology that advances the understanding of steel deck and concrete slab micromechanics for bending and pull-out composite slab tests. Three-dimensional composite models detailed the embossment depth, slope, steel thickness, and tilting angle to overcome previous model simplification assumptions. Newton-Raphson was the simulation method that enabled the consideration of material non-linearities. The validity of each model was contrasted against the results from actual laboratory tests. The model incorporating the non-linearity of materials and a crack inducer was very consistent with the tests. The other two models, which did not account for non-linear behaviors, were partially consistent with test results at complementary bending stages and thus could be combined to reproduce the tests. The robustness of the simulation approach was leveraged to analyze the influence of parametric and boundary conditions in pull-out simulations. Also, micromechanics phenomena that cannot be observed during laboratory tests were investigated. The proposed computing method offers the opportunity to model, predict, and hence optimize the composite slab and steel deck profile design without the need to perform expensive and time-consuming tests on actual specimens.