Non-uniform shrinkage in simply-supported composite steel-concrete slabs

This paper presents the results of four long-term experiments carried out to investigate the time-dependent behaviour of composite floor slabs with particular attention devoted to the development of non-uniform shrinkage through the slab thickness. This is produced by the presence of the steel deck which prevents moisture egress to occur from the underside of the slab. To observe the influence of different drying conditions on the development of shrinkage, the four 3.3 m long specimens consisted of two composite slabs cast on Stramit Condeck HP r steel deck and two reinforced concrete slabs, with the latter ones having both faces exposed for drying. During the long-term tests, the samples were maintained in a simply-supported configuration subjected to their own self-weight, creep and shrinkage for four months. Separate concrete samples were prepared and used to measure the development of shrinkage through the slab thickness over time for different drying conditions. A theoretical model was used to predict the time-dependent behaviour of the composite and reinforced concrete slabs. This approach was able to account for the occurrence of non-uniform shrinkage and comparisons between numerical results and experimental measurements showed good agreement. This work highlights the importance of considering the shrinkage gradient in predicting shrinkage deformations of composite slabs. Further comparisons with experimental results are required to properly validate the adequacy of the proposed approach for its use in routine design.