Flexural Strength of One-Way Composite Steel Deck Slabs Voided by Circular Paper Tubes

A new type of composite steel slab system called TUBEDECK (TD) has been proposed, which combines a cast-in-situ RC slab with circular tube voids and profiled steel decks. In order to investigate the detailed flexural performance of the proposed system, monotonic loading tests were carried out on 14 specimens with variables of the presence or absence of voids and/or steel deck, slab thickness, tension reinforcement ratio (), and load direction. Experimental results demonstrated that full composite action could be achieved in TD slabs designed with normal , with only the chemical adhesion provided through the shape of the steel deck itself, specifically T-shaped ribs and embossments. On the other hand, if TD slabs had high or an inadequate void arrangement, the expected flexural strength could not be reached, failing prematurely. Based on analysis of the results, design recommendations for the proposed system are provided.