Comparative analysis of a novel lightweight composite-void steel deck slab and conventional solid slab: Force carrying capacity, deflection, failure patterns, ductility and stiffness

This study focuses on the development and assessment of advanced construction materials, such as a unique slab design, longitudinal void configurations, and profiled steel deck. The aim was to improve the efficiency of constructing reinforced composite buildings and enhance their visual attractiveness. In order to evaluate the strength and efficiency of these new developments, we carried out a thorough examination utilizing ANSYS Workbench. Our study specifically concentrated on analyzing the failure characteristics of nine slabs that were supported in a simple manner. The study conducted a thorough comparison of different factors, including the shapes of the voids and profiled steel decks, the presence of embossments and nodes, and the type of concrete utilized (conventional and light-weight using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Polypropylene fibers). Our results from a thorough flexural analysis showed that slabs containing oval-shaped voids demonstrated the best performance in terms of structural stability and efficiency. In addition, the profiled steel deck, which includes embossments and dimples, demonstrated exceptional performance as a result of the improved mechanical connection, which was further demonstrated in the LightcompvoidSteelslab. The results indicate that incorporating oval voids and embossed steel sheets into slab construction has the potential to greatly enhance the mechanical characteristics and construction efficiency of composite buildings. This study provides valuable knowledge on the design and utilization of sophisticated composite materials in the construction sector, which could potentially result in more environmentally friendly and economically efficient building methods.