Modelling of plane composite frames in unpropped construction

A computer program has been developed to analyse the behaviour of steel-framed buildings with composite floor decks, taking into account both geometric and material non-linearities. In order to simulate the real physical behaviour of a steel-framed building with a composite floor deck the analysis tool has been developed with the capability of predicting the behaviour of two-dimensional sub-frames during both the construction phase and the later composite-beam stage. Partial interaction between the steel beam and the composite slab, the orientation of the profiled metal deck, the effect of additional reinforcement over the support and the semirigid nature of the composite beam-to-steel column joint are all included in the analysis. Validation of the computer program against experimental results shows very good agreement not only in terms of load-deflection response but also on load-joint rotation and load-reinforcing bar strains. A description of the mathematical formulation of the four distinct finite elements which have been used in the program is given in Appendix A. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.