CBD Ec 4 2004 PDF

Composite Beam Design Manual
Eurocode 4-2004
Composite Beam
Design Manual
Eurocode 4-2004
For ETABS® 2013
ISO ETA032913M46 Rev 0

Berkeley, California, USA March 2013
Copyright
Copyright  Computers and Structures, Inc., 1978-2013

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DISCLAIMER
CONSIDERABLE TIME, EFFORT AND EXPENSE HAVE GONE INTO THE

DEVELOPMENT AND DOCUMENTATION OF THIS SOFTWARE. HOWEVER,
THE USER ACCEPTS AND UNDERSTANDS THAT NO WARRANTY IS
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED BY THE DEVELOPERS OR THE DISTRIBUTORS ON
THE ACCURACY OR THE RELIABILITY OF THIS PRODUCT.
THIS PRODUCT IS A PRACTICAL AND POWERFUL TOOL FOR STRUCTURAL

DESIGN. HOWEVER, THE USER MUST EXPLICITLY UNDERSTAND THE BASIC
ASSUMPTIONS OF THE SOFTWARE MODELING, ANALYSIS, AND DESIGN
ALGORITHMS AND COMPENSATE FOR THE ASPECTS THAT ARE NOT
ADDRESSED.
THE INFORMATION PRODUCED BY THE SOFTWARE MUST BE CHECKED BY

A QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED ENGINEER. THE ENGINEER MUST
INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE RESULTS AND TAKE PROFESSIONAL
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE INFORMATION THAT IS USED.
Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Organization 1-2
1.2 Recommended Reading/Practice 1-3
2 Design Prerequisites
2.1 Design Code 2-1
2.2 Units 2-1
2.3 Preferences 2-2
2.4 Overwrites 2-2
2.5 Composite Beam Properties 2-2
2.5.1 Beam Properties 2-2
2.5.2 Metal Deck and Slab Properties 2-4
2.5.3 Shear Stud Anchor Properties 2-5
2.5.4 Cover Plates 2-6
2.6 Beams Designed as Composite Beams 2-6
2.6.1 Frame Elements Designed by Default as
Composite Beams 2-7
2.6.2 Overwriting the Frame Design Procedure
for a Composite Beam 2-8
2.7 How the Program Optimizes Design Groups 2-9
2.8 Analysis Sections and Design Sections 2-12
2.9 Output Stations 2-13
2.10 Effective Width of the Concrete Slab 2-14
i
Composite Beam Design Eurocode 4-2004
2.10.1 Location Where Effective Slab Width Is

Checked 2-14
2.10.2 Multiple Deck Types or Directions Along the
Beam Length 2-15
2.10.3 Effect of Diagonal Beams on Effective Slab
Width 2-19
2.10.4 Effect of Openings on Effective Slab Width 2-20
2.10.5 Effective Slab Width and Transformed
Section Properties 2-21
2.11 Beam Unbraced Length and Design Check
Locations 2-21
2.11.1 Determination of the Braced Points of a
Beam 2-22
2.11.2 User-Defined Unbraced Length of a Beam 2-23
2.12 Design Check Locations 2-24
2.13 Design Load Combinations 2-26
2.13.1 Special Live Load Patterning for
Cantilever Back Spans 2-28
2.13.2 Special Live Load Patterning for
Continuous Spans 2-30
2.14 Beam Deflection and Camber 2-32
2.14.1 Deflection 2-32
2.14.2 Deflection Reported for Cantilever
Overhangs 2-34
2.14.3 Camber 2-35
2.15 Floor Vibration 2-36
2.15.1 Vibration Frequency 2-36
2.15.2 Murray’s Minimum Damping Requirements 2-38
2.15.3 Initial Displacement Amplitude 2-39
2.15.4 Effective Number of Beams Resisting
Heel Drop Impact 2-40
2.16 Distribution of Steel Headed Stud Anchors on a
Composite Beam 2-41
2.16.1 Composite Beam Segments 2-42
2.16.2 How the Program Distributes Steel Headed
Stud Anchors on a Beam 2-45
2.16.3 A Note About Multiple Design Load
Combinations 2-51
ii
Contents
2.17 Number of Shear Studs that Fit in a Composite Beam

Segment 2-53
2.17.1 Solid Slab or Deck Ribs Oriented Parallel to
Beam Span 2-53
2.17.2 Deck Ribs Oriented Perpendicular to
Beam Span 2-57
2.18 User Defined Shear Connector Patterns 2-61
2.18.1 Specifying a User Defined Shear Connector
Pattern 2-61
2.18.2 Uniformly Spaced Shear Studs Over the
Length of the Beam 2-61
2.18.3 Additional Shear Studs in Specified
Sections of Beam 2-64
2.18.4 How the Program Checks a Beam
with User Defined Shear Studs 2-67
2.19 Transformed Section Moment of Inertia 2-68
2.19.1 Background 2-69
2.19.2 Properties of Steel Beam (Plus Cover Plate)
Alone 2-71
2.19.3 Properties of the Composite Section 2-74
2.20 Effective Section Properties for Partial Composite
Connection 2-81
2.20.1 Effective Moment of Inertia 2-81
2.20.2 Effective Section Modulus Referred to the
Extreme Tension Fiber 2-82
2.20.3 Location of the ENA for Partial Composite
Connection 2-83
2.21 Composite Plastic Moment Capacity for Positive
Bending 2-85
2.21.1 Location of the Plastic Neutral Axis 2-87
2.21.2 Plastic Moment Capacity for Positive
Bending 2-99
2.22 Composite Moment Capacity of a Partially
Composite Beam with a Plastic Stress Distribution 2-110
2.22.1 Location of the Plastic Neutral Axis 2-110
2.22.2 Determining the Effective Portion of the
Concrete Slab 2-113
2.22.3 Plastic Moment Capacity for Positive
Bending 2-115
iii
2.23 Positive Moment Capacity with an Elastic Stress

Distribution 2-116
3 Design Process 3-1

3.1 Notation 3-1
3.2 Design Methodology 3-15
3.3 Design Load Combinations 3-21
3.3.1 Strength Check for Construction Loads 3-21
3.3.2 Strength Check for Final Loads 3-23
3.3.3 Deflection Check for Final Loads 3-23
3.4 Section Compactness Requirements 3-23
3.5 Section Classification 3-25
3.5.1 Limiting Width-to-Thickness Ratios for
Cover Plates 3-26
3.5.2 Slenderness Ratios for Lateral Torsional
Buckling 3-27
Bending 3-28
3.7 Composite Section Elastic Moment Capacity 3-28
3.8 Moment Capacity for Steel Section Alone 3-29
3.8.1 Steel Beam Properties 3-30
3.8.2 Moment Capacity for an I-Beam and
Channel 3-30
3.9 Bending Checks 3-35
3.9.1 Bending Check Locations 3-35
3.9.2 Bending Check at Point of Maximum
Moment 3-35
3.9.3 Bending Check at Point Loads 3-36
3.10 Steel Anchors 3-36
3.10.1 Steel Headed Stud Anchor 3-35
3.10.2 Horizontal Shear for Full Composite
Connection 3-38
3.10.3 Number of Shear Connectors 3-38
3.11 Beam Shear Capacity 3-40
3.11.1 Shear Capacity 3-40
iv
Contents
3.12 Shear Buckling Check 3-40

3.12.1 Checking Beam Shear 3-42
3.12.2 Limitations of Beam Shear check 3-42
3.13 Deflection Check 3-42
3.12 Floor Vibration 3-43
Appendix A Preferences
Appendix B Overwrites
Bibliography
v
Chapter 1
Introduction
Initiation of the design process, along with control of various design parame-
ters, is accomplished using the Design menu. The design/check of composite
beams is seamlessly integrated within the program.
Automated design at the object level is available for any one of a number of
user-selected design codes, as long as the structures have first been modeled
and analyzed by the program. Model and analysis data, such as material prop-
erties and member forces, are recovered directly from the model database, and
no additional user input is required if the design defaults are acceptable.
The design is based on a set of user-specified loading combinations. However,

the program provides default load combinations for each supported design
code. If the default load combinations are acceptable, no definition of addition-
al load combinations is required.
Composite beam design/check consists of calculating the flexural, axial, and

shear forces or stresses at several locations along the length of a member, and
then comparing those calculated values with acceptable limits. That compari-
son produces a demand/capacity ratio, which typically should not exceed a val-
ue of one if code requirements are to be satisfied. The program follows the
same review procedures when it is checking a user-specified shape or when
checking a shape selected by the program from a predefined list.
1-1
Composite Beam DesignEurocode 4-2004
The program checks the requirements for strength and deflection limit states at
service and construction time conditions. It also checks vibration for service
time condition. It considers shoring-unshoring phases if shoring is used. It cal-
culates camber if it is required.
The program can determine the number of steel headed stud anchors required
to achieve the desired level of composite action. On the other hand, the pro-
gram can check the adequacy if the profile—number and distribution—of the
steel headed stud anchors is provided.
Program output can be presented graphically on the model, in tables for both
input and output data, or in calculation sheets prepared for each member. For
each presentation method, the output is in a format that allows the engineer to
quickly study the stress conditions that exist in the structure, and in the event
the member is not adequate, aid the engineer in taking appropriate remedial
measures, including altering the design member without re-running the entire
analysis.
The program supports a wide range of composite beam design codes, including
many national building codes. This manual is dedicated to the use of the menu
option “Eurocode 4-2004.” This option covers the “EN 1994-1-1:2004—
Design of composite steel and concrete structures” (Eurocode 4-2004). The
implementation covers load combinations from “EN 1990:2002 which is de-
scribed in the section Design Load Combinations in Chapter 3.
The design codes supported under “Eurocode 4-2004” are written in newton-
millimeter units. All the associated equations and requirements have been im-
plemented in the program in newton-millimeter units. The program has been
enabled with unit conversion capability. This allows the users to enjoy the flex-
ibility of choosing any set of consistent units during creating and editing mod-
els, exporting and importing the model components, and reviewing the design
results.
1.1 Organization
This manual is designed to help you quickly become productive using the Eu-
rocode 4-2004 composite beam design option. Chapter 2 addresses prerequi-
sites related to modeling and analysis for a successful design in accordance
1-2 Organization
Chapter 1 - Introduction
with the code. Chapter 3 provides detailed descriptions of the specific require-
ments as implemented in the program for the code.
1.2 Recommended Reading/Practice

It is strongly recommended that you read this manual and review any applica-
ble “Watch & Learn”SeriesTM tutorials, which are found on our web site,
http://www.csiberkeley.com, before attempting to design a composite beam.
Additional information can be found in the on-line Help facility available from
within the program.
Recommended Reading/Practice 1-3

Chapter 2
Design Prerequisites
This chapter provides an overview of the basic assumptions, design preconditions,

and some of the design parameters that affect composite beam design.
In writing this manual it has been assumed that the user has an engineering
background in the general area of structural reinforced concrete design and
familiarity with Eurocode 4-2004 code.
2.1 Design Codes

The design code can be set by the user when the model is started and changed
at any time. Any one design code can be used in any one design run. A group
of beams cannot be designed using one code and another set of beams designed
for a different code in the same design run. However, different design codes
can be used to perform different design runs without rerunning the analysis.
2.2 Units
For composite beam design in this program, any set of consistent units can be
used for input. Typically, design codes are based on one specific set of units.
The documentation in this manual is presented in newton-millimeter-seconds
units unless otherwise noted. However, any system of units can be used to
define and design a building in the program.
Beam Properties 2-1

2.3 Preferences
The Composite Beam Design Preferences are basic assignments that apply to
all composite beam members. Default values are provided for all preference
items. Thus, it is not necessary to specify or change any of the preferences.
However, at least review the default values to ensure they are acceptable. Some
of the preference items also are available as member specific overwrite items.
The Preferences are described in Appendix A. The Overwrites are described in
Appendix B. Overwritten values take precedence over the preferences.
2.4 Overwrites
The composite beam design Overwrites are basic assignments that apply only
to those elements to which they are assigned. Default values are provided for
all overwrite items. Thus, it is not necessary to specify or change any of the
overwrites. However, at least review the default values to ensure they are
acceptable. When changes are made to overwrite items, the program applies the
changes only to the elements to which they are specifically assigned.
Overwritten values take precedence over the preferences. See Appendix B for
more information about Overwrites.
2.5 Composite Beam Properties

This section provides an overview of composite beam properties. Items
described include beam properties, metal deck and concrete slab properties,
shear connector properties, user defined shear connector patterns, cover plate
properties, effective slab width and beam unbraced length.
The many properties associated with composite beams are defined using
various menus in the program. Other items related to the beam properties are
specified in the composite beam preferences or overwrites.
2.5.1 Beam Properties

Figure 2-1 shows a typical composite beam for reference. The beam shown is a
rolled beam section from the built-in section database.
2-2 Beam Properties

Chapter 2 - Design Prerequisites
Figure 2-1 Illustration of Composite Beam
Basic steel beam properties can be user defined along with the basic geometry
of the steel section, except for the cover plate, if it exists. Cover plates are
specified in the composite beam Overwrites. When defining a beam, a material
property that includes the yield stress for that beam is also assigned. That yield
stress is assumed to apply to the beam and the cover plate unless it is revised in
the beam overwrites. The steel Material Property also includes the price or
cost-per-unit-weight that is assigned to the beam.
The Composite Beam Design postprocessor designs beams that are

I-shaped sections and channel sections only. The beam section for a composite
beam can be any I-shaped section, or a channel. The I-shaped section can be
defined by selecting an ISHW, ISLB, ISMB, ISWB, U or UPN shape from the
built-in program steel section database, or by defining a user-specified I-shaped
section. It is not necessary that the top and bottom flanges have the same
dimensions in user defined I-shaped sections used as composite beams. A
channel section used as a composite beam can also be user defined or a section
taken from the built-in program steel section database.
Beam Properties 2-3

Beam sections defined using Section Designer are considered as general

sections, not I-shaped or channel-shaped sections (even if they really are I-
shaped or channel-shaped), and cannot be designed using the Composite Beam
Design postprocessor.
If the user defines a beam section by selecting it from the built-in section
database, the program assumes that it is a rolled section and applies the design
equations accordingly. If the user defines a section without selecting it from the
built-in database, the program assumes it is a welded section and revises the
design equations as necessary. The program does not check or design any of
the welding for these welded beams.
2.5.2 Metal Deck and Slab Properties

Basic metal deck and concrete slab properties can be user defined. The
geometry and the associated material properties of the metal deck, concrete
slab, and shear connectors can be specified.
A beam designed using the Composite Beam Design postprocessor can have
composite behavior only if it supports a deck section (not a slab or wall
section).
The concrete slab over metal deck must be specified as a deck section property
(not a slab section property) if the beam is to have composite behavior. If the
slab is specified using a slab section property instead of a deck section
property, the Composite Beam Design postprocessor designs the beams
supporting that slab as noncomposite beams.
A deck section can be specified as a Filled Deck (metal deck filled with
concrete), an Unfilled Deck, or a Solid Slab (solid concrete slab with no metal
deck). In the specified metal deck geometry includes the following:
 Slab Depth: The depth of concrete fill above the metal deck. This item is
labeled tc in Figure 2-1.
 Deck Depth: The height of the metal deck ribs. This item is labeled hr in
Figure 2-1.
 Rib Width: The average width of the metal deck ribs. This item is labeled wr
in Figure 2-1.
2-4 Metal Deck and Slab Properties

 Rib Spacing: The center-to-center spacing of the metal deck ribs. This item
is labeled Sr in Figure 2-1.
If the deck has been specified as Filled Deck or Solid Slab (not Unfilled Deck),
a slab material must be specified for the concrete. This should be a previously
specified concrete material property. This concrete material property is used to
specify all material properties of the concrete, except in some code-specific
cases.
If the deck has been specified as Unfilled Deck, a steel material property must
be specified for the deck material, and an equivalent shear thickness must be
specified for the deck. These two items are used by the program to determine
the membrane shear stiffness of the deck.
The weight-per-unit-area of the deck, wd, can be specified. The self-weight of

the deck element representing the concrete slab over metal deck is calculated
using the weight-per-unit-area shown in the following equation.
wh 
Weight-per-Unit-Area = wc  r r + tc  + wd
 Sr 
In the equation, wc is the weight-per-unit-volume of concrete. The first term is

the weight-per-unit-area of the concrete, and the second term is the weight-per-
unit-area of the metal deck.
Note that the program does not check the design of the metal deck itself.
2.5.3 Shear Stud Anchor Properties

As described in the previous section, shear studs can be user defined along with
the deck properties. The properties specified for shear studs are the diameter,
dsc, the height, Hs, and the specified tensile strength of the shear stud, Fu. In this
program, shear connector patterns can be user specified.
The specification of composite deck stud anchors can include the following
items:
 Diameter: The diameter of the shear stud.
 Height: The height of the shear stud. This item is labeled Hs in Figure 2-1.
Shear Stud Anchor Properties 2-5

 Tensile Strength, Fu: The specified tensile strength of the shear stud.
The program automatically calculates the strength of a single shear connector

based on the shear stud and concrete slab properties. Revise this value using
the composite beam overwrites, if desired.
2.5.4 Cover Plates

In this program, full-length cover plates can be specified on the bottom flange
of a composite beam. Cover plates are not defined as part of the beam
properties. They can be specified in the overwrites only. Thus, to specify a
beam with a cover plate, the beam is designed as it typically would be without
the cover plate, and then the user should add the cover plate in the overwrites.
One consequence of this process is that the cover plate is not included for
overall analysis of the building. However, the cover plate is considered both for
resisting moments and deflections for design of the composite beam within the
program's Composite Beam Design postprocessor.
The properties specified for a cover plate are the width, bcp, the thickness, tcp,
and a design yield stress, Fydcp. The width and thickness dimensions are
illustrated in Figure 2-1. The program does not check or design any of the
welding between the cover plate and the beam bottom flange. It also does not
determine cutoff locations for the full length cover plate.
2.6 Beams Designed as Composite Beams

The program puts the following restrictions on the members that can be
designed as composite beams.
(a) Section Requirements
Only I-shaped and channel-shaped beams can be designed as composite beams

by the program. The I-shaped and channel-shaped beams can be selected from
the built-in program section database, or they can be user defined.
Note that beam sections that are defined in Section Designer are always treated
as general sections. Thus, if an I-type or channel-type section is defined using
Section Designer, the program will consider it to be a general section, not an I-
2-6 Cover Plates

shaped or channel-shaped section and will not allow it to be designed as a

composite beam.
(b) Material Property Requirement
If a beam is to be designed as a composite beam, the Type of Design associated

with the Material Property Data assigned to the beam must be Steel.
(c) Beam Orientation
The line type associated with the frame object that represents a composite
beam must be "Beam." In other words, the beam element must lie in a
horizontal plane.
For composite beams, the beam local 2-axis must be vertical. The Local axis 2
Angle is displayed on the Geometry tab of the Beam Information form.
(d) Support and Extent
The frame object representing a composite beam should span from support to
support. Composite beams should not be modeled using multiple, adjacent
frame objects between supports for a single composite beam.
In the case of a cantilever beam overhang, the frame object should span from
the overhang support to the end of the beam. The cantilever beam back span
should be modeled using a separate frame object. If cantilever beams are not
modeled in this way, the analysis results for moments and shears will still be
correct but the design performed by the Composite Beam Design processor
probably will not be correct.
2.6.1 Frame Elements Designed by Default as Composite

Beams
The program will design certain frame elements using the design procedures
documented in this manual by default. Those elements must meet the following
restrictions:
 The beam must meet the section requirements described in the subsection
entitled Section Requirements in this chapter.
Frame Elements Designed by Default as Composite Beams 2-7

 The beam must meet the material property requirement described in the
subsection entitled Material Property Requirement in this chapter.
 The beam must meet the two other requirements described in the subsections
entitled Beam Orientation and Support and Extent in this chapter.
 At least one side of the beam must support deck that is specified as a Deck
section (not a Slab or Wall section). The deck section can be filled, unfilled
or a solid slab. When the deck is unfilled, the beam will still go through the
Composite Beam Design postprocessor and will simply be designed as a
noncomposite beam.
 The beam must not frame continuously into a column or a brace. Both ends
of the beam must be pinned for major axis bending (bending about the local
3axis).
2.6.2 Overwriting the Frame Design Procedure for a

Composite Beam
The three procedures possible for steel beam design are:
 Composite beam design
 Steel frame design
 No design
By default, steel sections are designed using either the composite beam design
procedure or the steel frame design procedure. All steel sections that meet the
requirements described in the previous subsection entitled Frame Elements
Designed by Default as Composite Beams are by default designed using the
composite beam design procedures. All other steel frame elements are by
default designed using the steel frame design procedures.
Change the default design procedure used for a beam(s) by selecting the beam(s)
and clicking the Design menu > Overwrite Frame Design Procedure command.
This change is successful only if the design procedure assigned to an element is
valid for that element. For example, if two steel beams, one an I-section and the
other a tube section, are selected and an attempt is made to change the design
procedure to Composite Beam Design, the change will be executed for the I-
2-8 Overwriting the Frame Design Procedure for a Composite Beam

section, but not for the tube section because it is not a valid section for the
composite beam design procedure. A section is valid for the composite beam
design procedure if it meets the requirements specified in the section entitled
Beams Designed as Composite Beams, earlier in this chapter.
Note that the procedures documented for composite beam design allow for
designing a beam noncompositely. One of the overwrites available for
composite beam design is to specify that selected beams are designed as
composite, noncomposite with a minimum number of shear studs specified, or
noncomposite with no shear studs. These overwrites do not affect the design
procedure. Changing the overwrite to one of the noncomposite designs does
not change the design procedure from Composite Beam Design to Steel Frame
Design. The noncomposite design in this case is still performed from within the
Composite Beam Design postprocessor.
Using the composite beam design procedure, out-of-plane bending is not

considered and slender sections are not designed. This is different from the
Steel Frame Design postprocessor. Thus, the design results obtained for certain
beams may be different, depending on the design procedure used.
Finally, note that the user can specify that the composite beam design
procedures are to be used for a beam even if that beam does not support any
deck, or for that matter, even if no slab is specified. In these cases, the beam
will be designed as a noncomposite beam by the Composite Beam Design
postprocessor.
2.7 How the Program Optimizes Design Groups

This section describes the process the program uses to select the optimum
section for a design group. In this description, note the distinction between the
term section, which refers to a beam section in an auto select section list, and
the term beam, which refers to a specific element in the design group.
When considering design groups, the program first discards any beam in the
design group that is not assigned an auto select section list.
Next, the program looks at the auto select section list assigned to each beam in
the design group and creates a new list that contains the sections that are
common to all of the auto select section lists in the design group. The program
Overwriting the Frame Design Procedure for a Composite Beam 2-9

sorts this new common section list in ascending order, from smallest section to
largest section based on section weight (area).
When designing with design groups, the program attempts to quickly eliminate
inadequate beams.
The program then finds the beam with the largest positive design moment in
the design group, or the “pseudo-critical beam.” The program then checks the
design of the pseudo-critical beam for all sections in the common section list.
Any sections in the common section list that are not adequate for the pseudo-
critical beam are discarded from the common section list, making the list
shorter. This new list is the shorter common section list. The shorter common
section list is still in ascending order based on section weight (area).
Now the program checks all beams in the design group for the first section
(smallest by weight [area]) in the shorter common section list. If the
optimization is being performed on the basis of beam weight and the section is
adequate for all beams in the design group, the optimum section has been
identified. If the section is not adequate for a beam, the next higher section in
the shorter common section list is tried until a section is found that is adequate
for all beams in the design group.
If the optimization is based on price instead of weight, the program finds the
first section in the shorter common section list (i.e., the one with the lowest
weight) that is adequate for all beams. Next it calculates the cost of this first
adequate section and then determines the theoretical heaviest section that could
still have a cost equal to the adequate section by dividing the total price of the
beam with the adequate section (steel plus camber plus shear connectors) by
the unit price of the steel. This assumes that when the cost of the steel section
alone is equal to or greater than the total cost of the adequate section, the
section could not have a total cost less than the adequate section. The program
then checks any other sections in the shorter common section list that have a
weight less than or equal to the calculated maximum weight. If any of the other
sections are also adequate, a cost is calculated for them. Finally, the section
with the lowest associated cost is selected as the optimum section for the
design group.
Regardless of whether the optimization is based on weight or cost, if all

sections in the shorter common section list are tried and none of them are
adequate for all of the beams in the design group, the program proceeds to
2 - 10 Overwriting the Frame Design Procedure for a Composite Beam

design each beam in the design group individually based on its own auto
section list and ignores the rest of the design group. If for a particular beam
none of the sections in the auto select section list are adequate, the program
displays results for the section in the auto select list with the smallest
controlling ratio shown in red. Note that the controlling ratio may be based on
stress or deflection.
By default, the program selects the optimum composite beam size based on
weight, not price. When a beam is optimized by weight, the program internally
optimizes the beam based on area of steel (excluding the cover plate, if it
exists). Thus, the weight density specified for the steel is irrelevant in such a
case.
By default, when auto select section lists are assigned to beams, the program
compares alternate acceptable composite beam designs based on the weight of
the steel beam (not including the cover plate, if it exists) to determine the
optimum section. The beam with the least weight is considered the optimum
section. The choice of optimum section does not consider the number of shear
connectors required or if beam camber is required.
In the Preferences, the user can request that the program use price to determine
the optimum section. If a price analysis is requested, the program compares
alternate acceptable beam designs based on their price and selects the one with
the least cost as the optimum section.
For the cost comparison, specify costs for steel, shear studs and beam camber.
The steel cost is specified as a part of the steel material property. The shear
stud and beam camber costs are specified in the composite beam preferences.
The costs for steel and cambering are specified on a unit weight of the beam
basis; for example, a cost per pound of the beam. The shear connector cost is
specified on a cost per connector. By assigning different prices for steel, shear
connectors and camber, the user can influence the choice of optimum section.
The cost of the cover plate is not included in the comparison (but it would be
the same for all beam sections if it were included).
When a beam is optimized by price, the program determines the price

associated with the steel by multiplying the volume of the beam (including the
cover plate, if it exists) by the weight density of the beam by the price per unit
weight specified in the material properties for the steel. The price associated
Overwriting the Frame Design Procedure for a Composite Beam 2 - 11

with camber is determined by multiplying the volume of the beam (including

the cover plate, if it exists) by the weight density of the beam by the specified
price per unit weight for camber defined in the composite beam preferences.
The price for shear connectors is determined by multiplying the total number of
shear connectors by the price per connector specified in the composite beam
preferences. The total price for the beam is determined by summing the prices
for the steel, camber and shear connectors. Thus, when a beam is optimized by
price, the weight density for the steel is important and must be correctly
specified for the price to be correctly calculated.
The volume of the beam is calculated by multiplying the area of the steel beam
(plus the area of the cover plate, if used) by the length of the beam from center-
of-support to center-of-support.
2.8 Analysis Sections and Design Sections

It is important to understand the difference between analysis sections and
design sections. Analysis sections are those section properties used to analyze
the model when an analysis is run. The design section is whatever section has
most currently been designed and thus designated the current design section.
It is possible for the last used analysis section and the current design section to
be different. For example, an analysis may have been run using a IPE 400
beam, and then it is determined in the design that a IPE 500 beam worked
better. In that case, the last used analysis section is the IPE 400 and the current
design section is the IPE 500. Before the design process is complete, verify that
the last used analysis section and the current design section are the same.
The program keeps track of the analysis section and the design section
separately. Note the following about analysis and design sections:
 Assigning a beam a frame section property assigns the section as both the
analysis section and the design section.
 Running an analysis always sets the analysis section to be the same as the
current design section.
 Assigning an auto select list to a frame section initially sets the design
section to be the beam with the median weight in the auto select list.
2 - 12 Overwriting the Frame Design Procedure for a Composite Beam

 Unlocking a model deletes the design results, but it does not delete or change
the design section.
 Changing a design load combination deletes the design results, but it does not
delete or change the design section.
 Changing any of the composite beam design preferences deletes the design
results, but it does not delete or change the design section.
 Deleting the static nonlinear analysis results also deletes the design results
for any load combination that includes static nonlinear forces. Typically,
static nonlinear analysis and design results are deleted when one of the
following actions is taken:
o Redefine existing or define new hinges.
o Redefine existing or define new static nonlinear load cases.
o Add or delete hinges.
Again, note that these actions delete only results for load combinations that
include static nonlinear forces.
2.9 Output Stations

Frame output stations are designated locations along a frame element. They are
used as locations to report output forces and to perform design, and they are
used as plotting points for graphic display of force diagrams. When force
diagrams are plotted, exact forces are plotted at each output station, and then
those points are connected by straight lines. Output stations occur at user-
specified locations and at point load locations along a beam. Designate the
output stations for a frame element using the Assign menu.
For composite beam design, the program checks the moments, shears and
deflections at each output station along the beam. No checks are made at any
points along the beam that are not output stations.
Overwriting the Frame Design Procedure for a Composite Beam 2 - 13

2.10 Effective Width of the Concrete Slab

This section explains how the program considers the effective width of the
concrete slab separately on each side of the composite beam. This separation is
carried through in all of the calculations. It allows different deck properties on
the two sides of the beam.
The effective slab width on either side of the beam can be specified in the
overwrites. The effective widths are specified on the left and right sides of the
beam. As illustrated in Figure 2-2, when viewed from the I-end of the beam
toward the J-end of the beam, the program assumes the right side of the beam
to be on the right-hand side.
j-end of beam
Left side of beam Right side of beam
i-end of beam
Figure 2-2 Example of How the Program Defines

the Left and Right Sides of the Beam
2.10.1 Location Where Effective Slab Width is Checked

By default, the program checks the effective width of the beam over the entire
middle 70% of the beam and uses the smallest value found as the effective
width of the beam, beff, everywhere in the calculations for that beam. The 70%
number is derived based on two assumptions:
2 - 14 Location Where Effective Slab Width is Checked

 The capacity of the composite beam is approximately twice that of the steel
beam alone.
 The steel beam alone is capable of resisting the entire moment in the
composite beam for the last 15% of the beam length at each end of the beam.
Note that for a uniformly loaded beam, the moment drops off to half of the
maximum moment or less in the last 15% of the beam.
Redefine this default “middle range” of 70% in the composite beam design
preferences, if desired (Appendix A).
2.10.2 Multiple Deck Types or Directions Along the Beam

Length
For design calculations, the program assumes one deck type and deck direction
on each side of the beam along the entire length of the beam, regardless of the
actual number of types and directions of deck that may exist. The program
allows different deck types and deck directions on the two sides of the beam in
the calculations. Figure 2-3 shows examples of different deck types and
different deck directions on the two sides of the beam.
Figure 2-3 Different Deck Types and Different Deck Directions

on the Two Sides of the Beam
The program checks the deck types and deck directions on each side of the
composite beam within the specified middle range (see the previous subsection).
When multiple deck types or deck directions occur on the same side of a composite
Multiple Deck Types or Directions Along the Beam Length 2 - 15

beam, the program decides which single deck section and direction to use on that
side of the beam.
The program goes through these steps in this order to choose the deck section.
1. The program calculates the product of tc * f ck for each deck where tc is the
depth of the concrete above the metal deck and f ck is the concrete slab
compressive strength. It uses the deck section that has the smallest value of
tc * f ck in the calculations for the beam.
2. If two or more deck sections have the same value of tc * f ck but the deck
spans in different directions, the program uses the deck section that spans
perpendicular to the beam.
3. If two or more deck sections span in the same direction and have the same
value of tc* f ck , the program uses the deck section with the smaller tc
value.
4. If two or more deck sections span in the same direction and have the same
values of tc and f ck , the program uses the first defined deck section.
In this program's composite beam design, the deck is assumed either parallel or
perpendicular to the span of the beam. If the deck span is exactly parallel to the
beam span or within 15 degrees of parallel to the beam span, the deck span is
assumed to be parallel to the beam span. Otherwise, the deck span is assumed
to be perpendicular to the beam span.
The assumed deck type and deck direction on each side of the beam can be
specified using the composite beam overwrites.
Refer to the floor plan shown in Figure 2-4. The typical floor in this plan
consists of 65 mm normal weight concrete over 75 mm metal deck that is
designated Deck Type A. However, the upper left-hand quadrant of the floor
consists of 90 mm normal weight concrete over 75 mm metal deck that is
designated Deck Type B. Assume that the concrete compressive strength is 30
MPa for both deck types.
2 - 16 Multiple Deck Types or Directions Along the Beam Length

Figure 2-4 Example of Different Deck Types

on the Left and Right Sides of the Beam
Now consider the beam labeled “Girder F” in the figure. Deck Type A exists
along the entire length of the right-hand side of this beam. Thus, the program
uses Deck Type A on the right side of the beam in the calculations. Both Deck
Type A and Deck Type B exist along the left-hand side of the beam. The
program uses the following method to determine which of these deck types to
use on the left side of the beam in the calculations:
1. Determine the product of tc* f ck for each deck type.
a. For Deck Type A: tc* f ck = 65 * 30 = 1,950 N/mm.
b. For Deck Type B: tc * f ck = 90 * 30 = 2,700 N/mm.
2. Use Deck Type A on the left side of the girder in the composite beam
calculations because it has the smaller value of tc * f ck .
Note that the loads applied to the beam are still based on the actual deck types.
Thus, the load applied to the upper half of Girder F in Figure 2-4 would include
the contribution from Deck Type B even though Deck Type B might not be
used in calculating the composite beam properties.
Multiple Deck Types or Directions Along the Beam Length 2 - 17

A second example is shown in Figure 2-5. In this example, the deck type is the
same throughout the floor, but the direction of the deck changes in the upper
left-hand quadrant of the floor.
Figure 2-5 Example of Different Deck Orientations

on the Left and Right Sides of the Beam
Now consider the beam labeled “Girder G” in the figure. The deck ribs are
oriented parallel to the span of Girder G along the entire length of the right-
hand side of this beam. Thus, the program uses Deck Type A oriented parallel
to the span of Girder G on the right side of the beam in the calculations.
Deck ribs oriented both perpendicular and parallel to the span of Girder G exist
along the left-hand side of the beam. Because only the deck direction is
different along the left side of the beam, not the deck type (and thus tc and f ck
do not change), the program uses the deck that spans perpendicular to Girder G
on the left side of the beam.
2 - 18 Multiple Deck Types or Directions Along the Beam Length

2.10.3 Effect of Diagonal Beams on Effective Slab Width

Consider the example shown in Plan A of Figure 2-6. In Plan A, the length of
Beam A is LA. Assume that the effective width of this beam is controlled by the
distance to the centerline of the adjacent beam. Also assume that the program
checks the effective width of the slab over the default middle range (70%) of
Beam A. If the variable labeled xA in the figure is less than or equal to 0.15, the
effective width of the concrete slab on the upper side of Beam A (i.e., the side
between Beam A and Beam X) is controlled by the distance between Beam A
and Beam X. On the other hand, if xA is greater than 0.15, the effective width of
the concrete slab on the upper side of Beam A is controlled by the distance
between Beam A and Girder Y, at a location of 0.15LA from the left end of
Beam A. This distance is measured along a line that is perpendicular to Beam
A.
Figure 2-6 Examples of the Effect of Diagonal Beams on

Composite Beam Effective Width
Effect of Diagonal Beams on Effective Slab Width 2 - 19

Now consider the example shown in Plan B of Figure 2-6. Assume that the
effective width of Beam B is controlled by the distance to the centerline of the
adjacent beam. When considering the perpendicular distance from Beam B to
the adjacent beam on the upper side of Beam B, the program considers the
diagonal beam labeled Beam Z when the angle θ is less than 45 degrees. If the
angle θ is greater than or equal to 45 degrees, Beam Z is ignored when
calculating the effective slab width on the upper side of Beam B.
Plan C in Figure 2-6 shows a special case where two diagonal beams frame
into Beam C at the same point. In this special case, the program assumes that
the effective width of the slab on the side of the beam where the two diagonals
exist is zero. The user can, of course, change this in the overwrites. The
program assumes the zero effective width because, although it is checking the
effective width for Beam C, it is unable to determine whether a slab is actually
between the two diagonal beams.
2.10.4 Effect of Openings on Effective Slab Width

Now consider Plan D shown in Figure 2-7. In this case, there is an opening on
both sides of the slab at the left end of Beam D.
LV
xD * LD
Beam D
Plan D
Figure 2-7 Example of the Effect of Openings on Composite Beam Effective Width
2 - 20 Effect of Openings on Effective Slab Width

Assume again that the effective width of this beam is controlled by the distance
to the centerline of the adjacent beam, and also assume that the program checks
the effective width of the slab over the default center 70% of the Beam D
length. If the width of the opening, xD * LD is less than 0.15LD, the program
bases the effective width of the concrete slab on the distance to the adjacent
beams. On the other hand, if xD * LD exceeds 0.15LD, the program assumes the
effective concrete slab width for Beam D to be zero; that is, it assumes a
noncomposite beam.
2.10.5 Effective Slab Width and Transformed Section

Properties
When the program calculates the transformed section properties, the concrete is
transformed to steel by multiplying beff by the ratio Ec / Es. This ratio may be
different on the two sides of the beam. For composite beam design, Ec may be
different for stress and deflection calculations. See the section entitled
Transformed Section Moment of Inertia for more information.
2.11 Beam Unbraced Length and Design Check

Locations
The program considers the unbraced length for construction loading separately
from that for final loads. For both types of loading, the unbraced length of the
beam associated with buckling about the local 2-axis (minor) of the beam is
used to determine the flexural capacity of the noncomposite beam. The local 2-
axis is illustrated in Figure 2-8.
By default, the program automatically determines the locations where the beam
is braced for buckling about the local 2-axis. This information is then used to
determine the unbraced length associated with any point on the beam. Instead
of using the program calculated bracing points, the user can specify in the
overwrites brace points for any beam.
For buckling about the local 2-axis, the program differentiates between bracing
of the top flange of the beam and bracing of the bottom flange of the beam. The
program automatically recognizes which flange of the beam is the compression
flange at any point along the beam for any design load combination. With this
ability and the program-determined or user-specified bracing point locations,
Effective Slab Width and Transformed Section Properties 2 - 21

the program can automatically determine the unbraced length of any segment
along the beam and can apply appropriate code-specified modification factors
(e.g., C1 factor for flexure) to the flexural strength of the beam.
i-end of beam
Figure 2-8 Local 2 Axis of a Beam
2.11.1 Determination of the Braced Points of a Beam

The program considers the lateral bracing for the top and bottom flanges
separately. In the Composite Beam Design postprocessor, the program assumes
that beams can be braced by the deck section (or slab section) that they support
and by other beams framing into the beam being considered. The program
automatically determines the braced points of a beam for buckling about the
local 2-axis as follows:
The top flange is assumed to be continuously laterally supported (unbraced

length of zero) anywhere there is metal deck section with concrete fill framing
into one or both sides of the beam or there is a slab section framing into both
sides of the beam.
Metal deck sections with no concrete fill are assumed to continuously brace the
top flange if the deck ribs are specified as oriented perpendicular to the beam
2 - 22 Determination of the Braced Points of a Beam

span. If the deck ribs are specified as oriented parallel to the beam span, the
deck is assumed to not brace the top flange.
The top and bottom flange are assumed to be braced at any

point where another beam frames into the beam being
Beam Considered
considered at an angle greater than 30 degrees, as shown in Br
ac
the sketch to the right. It is up to the user to provide ing
Be
appropriate detailing at this point to ensure that the bottom am
flange is adequately braced. If appropriate detailing is not θ > 30°
provided, the user should redefine the brace points using one
of the methods described in the next section.
When the bracing is program calculated or brace points are user specified, the
program always assumes that each end of the beam is braced at both the top
and the bottom flange. If the unbraced length of a beam is longer than the
actual beam, specify a user defined unbraced length, not user defined brace
points.
2.11.2 User Defined Unbraced Length of a Beam

2.11.2.1 Overview
To use unbraced lengths other than those determined by the program, change
the assumed unbraced length for any beam in the composite beam overwrites.
This is true for both the construction loading unbraced lengths and the final
loading unbraced lengths.
For buckling about the local 2-axis, specific bracing points can be specified
along the beam that apply to the top flange, bottom flange, or both, or one
maximum unbraced length can be specified that applies over the entire length
of the beam to both the top and bottom flanges.
As soon as the user specifies any user defined bracing points or unbraced
lengths for a beam, all of the program determined lateral bracing information
on that beam is ignored. Thus, if any bracing point is specified for a beam,
all of the bracing points for that beam should be specified.
User Defined Unbraced Length of a Beam 2 - 23

2.11.2.2 User Specified Uniform and Point Bracing

If the user specifies bracing along the beam for buckling about the local 2-axis,
the user can specify continuous bracing along a beam flange, bracing at
specific points along a beam flange, or both.
2.11.2.2.1 Point Braces

To define point braces, specify a distance along the beam that locates the brace
point, and then indicate whether the top, bottom, or both flanges are braced at
this location. Specify the distance as an actual distance or as a relative distance,
both measured from the I-end of the beam. All distances are measured from the
center of the support, not the physical end of the beam. The distances may be
specified as either absolute (actual) distances or as relative distances. A relative
distance to a point is the absolute distance to that point divided by the length of
the beam measured from the center-of-support to center-of-support.
The user can change the default bracing assumed for a beam in the composite
beam overwrites. The bracing specified can be different for construction
loading and final loading.
2.11.2.2.2 Uniform Braces

To define uniform or continuous bracing, specify a distance along the beam
that locates the starting point of the continuous bracing, specify a second
(longer) distance along the beam that locates the ending point of the continuous
bracing, and then indicate whether the top, bottom, or both flanges are
continuously braced over this length. The distances can be specified as absolute
(actual) distances or as relative distances, both measured from the I-end of the
beam. A relative distance to a point is the absolute distance to that point
divided by the length of the beam measured from the center-of-support to
center-of-support.
2.12 Design Check Locations

One of the first tasks the program performs when designing or checking a
composite beam is to determine the design check locations for the design load
combinations used for checking the strength of the beam to carry the final
design loads. There may be many design check locations along a beam. The
design check locations are determined as follows:
2 - 24 User Defined Unbraced Length of a Beam

 The point of maximum positive moment for each design load combination
used for checking the strength of the beam to carry the final design loads is a
design check location. Note that there may be more than one of these design
load combinations and thus there may be more than one point of maximum
moment to consider.
 The point of maximum negative moment (if negative moment exists) for
each design load combination used for checking the strength of the beam to
carry the final design loads is a design check location.
 A point load or point moment location for any design load combination used
for checking the strength of the beam to carry the final design loads is a
design check location.
 The ends of a cover plate, if one is specified, are design check locations.
 The end or edge of the deck. This occurs, for example, at locations where the
beam spans through an opening in the deck.
At each design check location the program checks the moment capacity of the
composite beam and determines the number of shear connectors required
between that location and the nearest point of zero moment (or in some special
cases, the end of the slab).
The program determines one set of design check locations that applies to all
design load combinations.
Consider, for example, a composite beam with two design load combinations
used for checking the strength of the beam to carry the final design loads.
Assume one of those load combinations is a uniform load over the full length
of the beam and the other is a point load at the third point of the beam. Also
assume there is positive moment only in the beam and no cover plate. In this
example, the program considers the following design check locations:
 The point of maximum positive moment for the design load combination
with uniform load only.
 The point of maximum positive moment for the design load combination
with point loads at the third point.
 The location of the point load, that is, the third point of the beam.

The program checks the moment capacity and the number of shear connectors
required between each of these four locations and the nearest point of zero
moment for both of the design load combinations. Thus, for the design load
combination with uniform load only, the program still checks how many shear
studs are required between the location of the point load in the other design
load combination and the nearest point of zero moment. This ensures that there
is always a sufficient number of shear connectors in the appropriate location on
the beam.
2.13 Design Load Combinations

The design load combinations are used for determining the various
combinations of the load cases for which the structure needs to be
designed/checked. The load combination factors to be used vary with the
selected design code. The load combination factors are applied to the forces
and moments obtained from the associated load cases and are then summed to
obtain the factored design forces and moments for the load combination.
For multi-valued load combinations involving response spectrum, time history,

moving loads and multi-valued combinations (of type enveloping, square-root
of the sum of the squares, or absolute) where any correspondence between
interacting quantities is lost, the program automatically produces multiple sub
combinations using maxima/minima permutations of interacting quantities.
Separate combinations with negative factors for response spectrum cases are
not required because the program automatically takes the minima to be the
negative of the maxima for response spectrum cases and the previously
described permutations generate the required sub combinations.
When a design combination involves only a single multi-valued case of time

history, further options are available. The program has an option to request that
time history combinations produce sub combinations for each time step of the
time history.
For normal loading conditions involving static dead load, live load, snow load,
wind load, and earthquake load, or dynamic response spectrum earthquake
load, the program has built-in default loading combinations for each design
code. These are based on the code recommendations and are documented for
each code in the corresponding manuals.
2 - 26 User Defined Unbraced Length of a Beam

For other loading conditions involving moving load, time history, pattern live
loads, separate consideration of roof live load, snow load, and so on, the user
must define design loading combinations either in lieu of or in addition to the
default design loading combinations.
The default load combinations assume all load cases declared as dead load to
be additive. Similarly, all cases declared as live load are assumed additive.
However, each load case declared as wind or earthquake, or response spectrum
cases, is assumed to be non additive with other similar cases and produces
multiple lateral load combinations. Also wind and static earthquake cases
produce separate loading combinations with the sense (positive or negative)
reversed. If these conditions are not correct, the user must provide the
appropriate design combinations.
The default load combinations are included in design if the user requests them
to be included or if no other user defined combination is available for
composite beam design. If any default combination is included in design, all
default combinations will automatically be updated by the program any time
the design code is changed or if static or response spectrum load cases are
modified.
Live load reduction factors can be applied to the member forces of the live load
case on an element-by-element basis to reduce the contribution of the live load
to the factored loading.
The user is cautioned that if moving load or time history results are not
requested to be recovered in the analysis for some or all of the frame members,
the effects of those loads will be assumed to be zero in any combination that
includes them.
For Composite Beam Design, three separate types of load combinations are
considered. They are:
 Strength Check for Construction Loads: Design load combinations for

checking the strength of the beam to carry construction loads. Note that this
design load combination is considered only if the beam is specified to be
unshored. Beams can be specified as shored or unshored in the preferences.
 Strength Check for Final Loads: Design load combinations for checking the
strength of the beam to carry the final design loads.

 Deflection Check for Final Loads: Design load combinations for checking
the deflection of the beam under final design loads.
The design load combinations are defined separately for each of the three
conditions. The program automatically creates code-specific composite beam
design load combinations for each of the three types of design load
combinations based on the specified dead, superimposed dead, live and
reducible live load cases. The user can add additional design load combinations
and modify or delete the program-created load combinations.
None of the program default load combinations include the effect of lateral
loads. If lateral loads need to be considered, the user should specify user-
defined design load combinations. As many load combinations as needed can
be specified. In addition, the program creates special live load patterns for
cantilever beams.
2.13.1 Special Live Load Patterning for Cantilever Back Spans

For strength design of cantilever back spans, the program performs special live
load patterning. The live load patterning used for cantilever back spans is
slightly different from what you might expect, so you should read this section
carefully to understand what the program does.
Each composite beam design load combination for a cantilever has a dead load
(DL), superimposed dead load (SDL) and a live load plus reduced live load
(LL + RLL) component. There may also be other types of load components as
well. The nature of the other types of load components is not important. The
DL, SDL, (LL + RLL) and other components are shown in Figure 2-9a.
The program internally creates a simply supported model of the cantilever back
span. It applies a load to this simply supported span that is equal to a factor
times the LL + RLL applied to the span. The factor used is specified in the
composite beam design preferences as the Pattern Live Load Factor. This
internally created model and loading is illustrated in Figure 2-9b. In the figure,
PLLF is short for Pattern Live Load Factor.
Finally for strength design (final loads only) of cantilever back spans, the
program considers the following two conditions for each design load
combination:
2 - 28 Special Live Load Patterning for Cantilever Back Spans

 DL + SDL + LL + RLL (+ any other type of load if it exists) as specified

over the full length (back span plus overhang) of the cantilever beam.
 DL + SDL (+ any other type of load if it exists) over the full length (back
span plus overhang) of the cantilever beam plus the (LL + RLL) multiplied
by the Pattern Live Load Factor applied to the simply supported back span.
These two conditions are shown in Figure 2-9c.

DL SDL
LL + RLL Other
a) Components of a Design Load Combination
PLLF * (LL + RLL) Note: PLLF = The Pattern Live Load Factor as
specified on the Beam tab in the
composite beam preferences.
b) Simply Supported Back Span with Factored LL + RLL Loading
DL + SDL + LL + RLL + Other

1.
DL + SDL + Other PLLF * (LL + RLL)

2. +
c) Two Conditions Considered for Each Design Load Combination
Figure 2-9 Conditions Considered for Strength Design of a Cantilever Back Span
Note that the conditions described herein are considered for strength design for
final loads only. The program does not do any special pattern loading checks
for deflection design or for construction loading design.
Special Live Load Patterning for Cantilever Back Spans 2 - 29

If load patterning different from that provided by the program is needed, the
user should create a design load combination. When creating user defined live
load patterning, it typically works best to give the specially defined pattern live
load cases an “Other” design type instead of a “Live Load” design type. That
way, the special pattern live load cases are not included in the automatically
created default design load combinations, avoiding possible double counting of
some live loads in those load combinations.
2.13.2 Special Live Load Patterning for Continuous Spans

For strength design of spans that are continuous at one or both ends, the
program performs special live load patterning similar to that described in the
previous section for back spans of cantilevers. The live load patterning used for
continuous spans is slightly different from what you might expect, so you
should read this section carefully to understand what the program does.
Each composite beam design load combination for a continuous span has a
DL, SDL and (LL + RLL) component. There also may be other types of load
components as well. The nature of the other types of load components is not
important. The DL, SDL, (LL + RLL) and other components are shown in
Figure 2-10a.
The program internally creates a simply supported model of the continuous

span. It applies a load to this simply supported span that is equal to a factor
times the LL + RLL applied to the span. The factor used is specified on the
Beam tab in the composite beam design preferences as the Pattern Live Load
Factor. This internally created model and loading is illustrated in Figure 2-10b.
In the figure, PLLF is short for Pattern Live Load Factor.
Finally for strength design (final loads only) of continuous spans, the program
considers the following two conditions for each design load combination:
 DL + SDL + LL + RLL (+ any other type of load if it exists) as specified

with actual continuity.
 DL + SDL (+ any other type of load if it exists) as specified with actual

continuity plus the (LL + RLL) multiplied by the Pattern Live Load Factor
applied to the simply supported beam.
These two conditions are shown in Figure 2-10c.
2 - 30 Special Live Load Patterning for Continuous Spans

DL SDL
LL + RLL Other
a) Components of a Design Load Combination
PLLF * (LL + RLL) Note: PLLF = The Pattern Live Load Factor as
specified on the Beam tab in the
composite beam preferences.
b) Simply Supported Span with Factored LL + RLL Loading
DL + SDL + LL + RLL + Other

1.
DL + SDL + Other PLLF * (LL + RLL)

2. +
c) Two Conditions Considered for Each Design Load Combination
Figure 2-10 Conditions Considered for Strength Design of a Continuous Span
Note that the conditions described herein are considered for strength design for
final loads only. The program does not do any special pattern loading checks
for deflection design or for construction loading design.
If load patterning different from that provided by the program is needed, the
user should create a design load combination. When creating user defined live
load patterning, it typically works best to give the specially defined pattern live
load cases an “Other” design type instead of a “Live Load” design type. That
way, the special pattern live load cases are not included in the automatically
created default design load combinations, avoiding possible double counting of
some live loads in those load combinations.
Special Live Load Patterning for Continuous Spans 2 - 31

2.14 Beam Deflection and Camber

This section describes how the program calculates beam deflections and how it
considers beam camber.
2.14.1 Deflection
In Composite Beam Design, when a beam is shored, the deflection is calculated
using (a) the transformed moment of inertia, Itr, if there is full (100%)
composite connection, (b) the effective moment of inertia, Ieff, if there is partial
composite connection, or (c) the moment of inertia of the steel beam alone,
Ibare, if the beam is designed noncompositely or found to be a cantilever
overhang.
Itr is calculated as follows:
I tr= ∑A 2
tr y1 + ∑ I − (∑ A ) y
O tr
2
where,
Atr = Area of an element of the composite beam section, mm2.

yl = Distance from the bottom of the bottom flange of the steel beam
section to the centroid of an element of the beam section, mm.
IO = Moment of inertia of an element of a steel beam section taken
about its own elastic neutral axis, mm4.
y = Distance from the bottom of the bottom flange of the steel beam
section to the elastic neutral axis of the fully composite beam, mm.
Ieff is calculated as follows:

I bare + PCC ( I tr − I bare )
I eff =
where,
PCC = Percent composite connection, unitless. The percentage varies

between 25% and 100% inclusive.
Ibare = Moment of inertia of the steel beam alone plus cover plate, if it
exists, in4.
2 - 32 Deflection
Ieff = Effective moment of inertia of a partially composite beam, mm4.
Itr = Transformed section moment of inertia about the elastic neutral

axis of the composite beam calculated as described in the
preceding relevant equation, mm4.
Ibare is calculated as follows:
I bare
= ∑ ( Ay ) + ∑ I − ( ∑ A) y
1
2
O
2
bare
where,
∑(Ay 1
2
) = Sum of the product A times y12 for all of the elements of the
steel beam section (including the cover plate, if it exists),
mm4.
∑I O = Sum of the moments of inertia of each element of the beam

section taken about the center of gravity of the element,
mm4.
∑A = Sum of the areas of all of the elements of the steel beam

sections (including the cover plate, if it exists), mm2.
ybare = Distance from the bottom of the bottom flange of the steel
section of the elastic neutral axis of the steel beam (plus
cover plate, if it exists), mm.
If a composite beam is unshored, the dead load deflection is always based on

the moment of inertia of the steel section alone (plus cover plate, if it exists),
Ibare. The deflection for all other loads is calculated using (a) the transformed
moment of inertia, Itr, if there is full (100%) composite connection, (b) the
effective moment of inertia, Ieff, if there is partial composite connection, or (c)
the moment of inertia of the steel beam alone, Ibare, if the beam is designed
noncompositely or found to be a cantilever overhang.
When deflection is used as a criterion for selecting the optimum beam size, the
program checks that the total load deflection minus the camber does not exceed
the specified total load deflection limit. It also checks that the live load
deflection does not exceed the specified live load deflection limit.
Deflection 2 - 33
The program calculates composite beam deflections using a moment-area

technique. An M/EI diagram is constructed by calculating M/EI values at each
output station along the length of the beam and then connecting the M/EI
values at those stations with straight-line segments. The program assumes that
the moment of inertia does not vary along the length of the beam (frame
object).
Deflections for the beam are calculated at each output station. The overall
deflected shape of the beam is drawn by connecting the computed values of
deflection at each output station with straight-line segments. Thus, the program
assumes a linear variation of M/EI between output stations.
In this program's composite beam design, the reported deflection is the vertical
displacement relative to a line drawn between the deflected position of the ends
of the beam. For example, refer to the beam shown in Figure 2-11. Figure 2-
11a shows the original undeformed beam and also shows an arbitrary point
along the beam labeled A. Figure 2-11b shows the beam in its deformed
position and illustrates the deflection that the Composite Beam Design
postprocessor reports for the beam at point A.
Figure 2-11 Deflection Results Reported by the Composite Beam Design Postprocessor
2.14.2 Deflection Reported for Cantilever Overhangs

For cantilever overhangs, the program's Composite Beam Design postprocessor
reports the displacement of the beam relative to the deformed position of the
supported end. This displacement is calculated by the design postprocessor
assuming that the supported end of the cantilever overhang is fixed against
rotation.
2 - 34 Deflection Reported for Cantilever Overhangs

When reviewing the displacement at the end of the cantilever, the displacement
is reported relative to the undeformed position of the end of the cantilever. In
that case, the rotation at the supported end of the cantilever overhang is
correctly taken into account. However, the displacements displayed are all
based on the analysis section properties (noncomposite moment of inertias).
2.14.3 Camber
When beam camber is calculated, the amount of camber is based on a
percentage of the dead load (not including superimposed dead load) deflection.
By default, this percentage is 100%, but this value can be modified using the
composite beam design preferences.
The minimum camber that the program specifies (other than zero) is 15 mm.
The maximum camber the program specifies is 100 mm. The program specifies
the camber in 5 mm increments. Table 2-1 shows how the program assigns
camber to a beam based on the specified percentage of dead load deflection.
Table 2-1 How the Program Specifies Camber

Camber Camber
CP * ∆DL Specified by the CP * ∆DL Specified by the
(mm) Program (mm) Program
≥ < (mm) ≥ < (mm)
N.A. 13 0 53 58 55
13 18 15 58 63 60
18 23 20 63 68 65
23 28 25 68 73 70
28 33 30 73 78 75
33 38 35 78 83 80
38 43 40 83 88. 85
43 48 45 88 93 90
48 53 50 93 98 95
98 N.A. 100
In the table, CP is the specified percentage of dead load deflection upon which
the camber is based. The CP * ∆DL column is broken into two subcolumns
labeled “≥” and “<”. These two subcolumns specify the range of CP * ∆DL for
which the program specifies a particular camber.
The program specifies camber for those beams for which the user requests it to
specify camber, regardless of the beam depth or length. Review the beam
Camber 2 - 35
cambers calculated by the program together with beam camber information

related to the design code and any other information provided by the steel
fabricator to make any necessary adjustments.
2.15 Floor Vibration

For Eurocode 4-2004, by default the program calculates the first natural
vibration frequency for each beam and reports it in the output, but it does not
by default use this information to determine the adequacy of a composite beam
section. This can be changed on the Preferences tab in the composite beam
design preferences. The user also can indicate that a beam section must satisfy
the Murray minimum damping requirement to be considered acceptable.
2.15.1 Vibration Frequency

The program calculates the first natural vibration frequency of a beam using
the Dunkerley relationship.
g Es I tr
f = Kf (DG11 Eqn. 3.1)
W L3
where,
f = First natural frequency of the beam in cycles per second.
Kf = A unitless coefficient typically equal to 1.57 unless the beam is

the overhanging portion of a cantilever with a back span, in
which case Kf is as defined in Figure 2-12 and digitized in
Table 1, or the beam is a cantilever that is fully fixed at one
end and free at the other end, in which case Kf is 0.56. Note
that Figure 2-12 is based on a similar figure in Murray and
Hendrick (1977)
g = Acceleration of gravity, 9.86 m/sec2
Es = Modulus of elasticity of steel, MPa
2 - 36 Vibration Frequency
It = Transformed section moment of inertia for the composite beam

calculated assuming full (100%) composite connection,
regardless of the actual percent composite connection, mm4
W = Total load supported by the beam, N. This is calculated by the

program as the sum of all of the dead load and superimposed
dead load supported by the beam, plus a percentage of all of
the live load and reducible live load supported by the beam.
The percentage of live load is specified in the composite beam
preferences. The percentage is intended to be an estimate of
the sustained portion of the live load (about 10% to 25% of the
total design live load). See Naeim (1991).
L = Center-of-support to center-of-support length of the beam, mm
1.6
L H
1.4
gEI w
f = Kc
WL3
1.2
Frequency Coefficient, Kf
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4
Cantilever / Backspan Ratio, H/L
Figure 2-12 Kf Coefficient for an Overhanging Beam for Use in the Preceding Equation
See the definition of Kf on the preceding page.
Vibration Frequency 2 - 37
Table 2-2 Digitization of Figure 2-12 as used by the Program

Point H/L Kf Point H/L Kf Point H/L Kf
1 0 1.57 11 0.6 0.8 21 1.6 0.15
2 0.05 1.57 12 0.7 0.64 22 1.7 0.14
3 0.1 1.56 13 0.8 0.52 23 1.8 0.13
4 0.15 1.55 14 0.9 0.43 24 1.9 0.12
5 0.2 1.53 15 1 0.37 25 2 0.11
6 0.25 1.5 16 1.1 0.31 26 2.1 0.1
7 0.3 1.44 17 1.2 0.27 27 2.2 0.09
8 0.35 1.35 18 1.3 0.22 28 2.3 0.08
9 0.4 1.25 19 1.4 0.2 29 2.4 0.07
10 0.5 1.03 20 1.5 0.17 30 2.5 0.06
2.15.2 Murray’s Minimum Damping Requirement

In his paper entitled “Acceptability Criterion for Occupant-Induced Floor
Vibrations,” Thomas M. Murray (Murray 1981) proposed that a criterion for
acceptable steel beam-concrete slab floor systems subject to human walking
vibrations is as shown in Equation 2:
Asb
D ≥ 35 f + 2.5 Equation 2
N eff
where,
D = Damping ratio, percent critical damping inherent in the floor system,

unitless. This item is specified on the Vibration tab in the composite
beam preferences.
Asb = Initial displacement amplitude of a single beam resulting from a heel

drop impact, mm.
Neff = The effective number of beams resisting the heel drop impact, unitless.
If the damping ratio, D, is greater than the right side of the preceding equation,
the beam is considered acceptable. Approximate damping ratio values for
2 - 38 Murray’s Minimum Damping Requirement

typical building configurations are published in the literature (see, for example,
Allen 1974; Allen and Rainer 1976; Allen, Rainer and Pernica 1979; Murray
1975; and Murray 1991). The derivation of the initial displacement amplitude
is described herein.
2.15.3 Initial Displacement Amplitude

To calculate the initial displacement amplitude of a single beam, Asb, first
calculate the time to the maximum initial displacement, tO, in seconds. This
time is calculated using Equation 3.
1
=tO tan −1 (0.1π f ) Eqn. 3
πf
where f is the first natural vibration frequency as determined from Equation 1

and tan−1(0.1πf) is evaluated in radians. After the value of tO has been
determined, the value of Asb is calculated from either Equation 4a or 4b,
depending on the value of tO.
PO L3
Asb = (0.1 − tO ) , if tO ≤ 0.05 sec Eqn. 4a
2.4 Es I tr
PO L3 1
=Asb * * VF , if tO > 0.05 sec Eqn. 4b
2.4 Es I tr 2πf
where,
2 1 − 0.1πf sin ( 0.1πf ) − cos ( 0.1πf )  + ( 0.1πf )

2
VF
= Eqn. 4c
In Equation 4c, the terms sin(0.1πf) and cos(0.1πf) are evaluated in radians.
In Equations 4a through 4c,
Asb = Initial displacement amplitude of a single beam resulting from a heel

drop impact, mm.
PO = Heel drop force, kips. This force is taken as 290 N.
Initial Displacement Amplitude 2 - 39

L = Center-of-support to center-of-support length of the beam, mm.
Es = Steel modulus of elasticity, MPa.
Itr = Transformed section moment of inertia for the composite beam

calculated assuming full (100%) composite connection, regardless of
the actual percent composite connection, mm4. Itr is calculated using
the first equation in the section entitled Beam Deflection and Camber.
If there is no deck supported by the beam, Ibare is used for this item.
2.15.4 Effective Number of Beams Resisting Heel Drop Impact

The program defaults to using an Neff value of 1. Alternatively, specify a value
of Neff on the Vibration tab in the composite beam overwrites, if desired, or
specify that the program calculate Neff using Equation 5 of this section.
Note the following about the program's implementation of Equation 5:
 When calculating Neff using Equation 5, the program does not check or
consider the number of parallel, equally spaced identical beams.
 The beam spacing used in Equation 5 is user input in the composite beam
overwrites.
 If the beam considered is a cantilever overhang, the program calculated value

of Neff is always set to 1.0.
 If the beam considered has deck on one side, or less, the program calculated
value of Neff is always set to 1.0.
3
 s  −8  L 
4
 L
N eff 2.967 − 0.05776  b
=  + 2.556 *10   + 0.00010   Eqn. 5
d
 avg   I tr   sb 
where,
Neff = Effective number of beams resisting heel drop impact, unitless.

sb = Beam spacing as input by the user in the composite beam overwrites,
mm.
2 - 40 Effective Number of Beams Resisting Heel Drop Impact

davg = Average depth of concrete slab including the concrete in the metal
deck ribs, mm.
L = Center-of-support to center-of-support length of the beam, mm.
Itr = Transformed section moment of inertia for the composite beam
calculated assuming full (100%) composite connection regardless of
the actual percent composite connection, mm4. Itr is calculated using
the first equation in the section entitled Beam Deflection and Camber.
If there is no deck supported by the beam, Ibare is used for this item.
The depth davg is calculated as:
 wr left hr left   wr right hr right  

 + tc left  beff left +  + tc right  beff right 
 Sr left   Sr right  
  
d avg =  Eqn. 6
beff left + beff right
where,
wr = Average width of metal deck ribs, mm.
hr = Height of the metal deck ribs, mm.
Sr = Center-to-center spacing of the metal deck ribs, mm.
tc = Depth of the concrete slab above the metal deck ribs or the depth of the
solid concrete slab, mm.
beff = Effective slab width for composite design, mm.
Each of the preceding quantities may be different on the left and right sides of
the beam.
2.16 Distribution of Steel Headed Stud Anchors on a

Composite Beam
This section describes how the program calculates and reports the distribution
of shear studs on a composite beam. It begins by introducing the term
“composite beam segments.” Next it describes how the program calculates the
shear stud distribution for a beam.
Effective Number of Beams Resisting Heel Drop Impact 2 - 41

2.16.1 Composite Beam Segments

For the purposes of reporting the number of shear studs required on each
composite beam, the program divides the top flange of each composite beam
into segments. The segments extend along the length of the beam. Each
composite beam consists of one or more composite beam segments.
A composite beam segment may span between any two of the following three
items provided that there is concrete on the beam, and the beam top flange is
available over the full length of the segment:
1. The physical end of the beam top flange.
2. Another beam in the program model that frames into the beam being
considered.
3. The physical end of the concrete slab on top of the beam considered.
A composite beam segment cannot exist in locations where concrete is not over
the beam or where the beam top flange has been coped. Figure 2-13 shows
some examples of composite beam segments. The figure uses the following
notation:
L = Length of composite beam measured from center-of-support to

center-of-support, mm.
LCBS = Length of a composite beam segment, mm.
Note that a composite beam can have more than one composite beam segment,
as shown in Figure 2-13c.
2.16.1.1 Physical End of the Beam Top Flange

When one or both ends of a composite beam segment lie at the end of a
composite beam, the program must assume the exact location of the end(s) of
the beam top flange to calculate a length, LCBS, for the composite beam
segment.
2 - 42 Composite Beam Segments

LCBS
a) LCBS for Beam Between Two Columns
LCBS
b) LCBS for Beam Between Two Girders
Figure 2-13 Examples of Composite

Beam Segments, LCBS
LCBS LCBS LCBS
c) LCBS when Beams Frame into Considered Beam
End of
slab
LCBS
d) LCBS when Slab Ends in Beam Span
Composite Beam Segments 2 - 43

Figure 2-14 Examples of Support Distance S and Gap Distance G
Notes:
1. S is the support distance.
2. G is the gap distance.
3. If a beam is supported by a wall or a point support, ETABS assumes that the dimension S is 0
mm.
4. The dimension bf in Cases 1 and 2 is the top flange width of the supporting girder.
5. The dimension bf in Cases 3 and 5 is the flange width of the supporting column (dimension
parallel to the local 3-axis). If the two flanges have different widths, the larger flange width is
used.
6. The dimension d in Cases 4 and 5 is the depth of the supporting column (dimension parallel to
the local 2-axis).
When determining the location of the ends of the beam top flange, the program
begins by assuming that the top flange extends from the center of the left
support to the center of the right support. It then subtracts a support distance, S,
2 - 44 Composite Beam Segments

from each end of the beam and a gap distance, G, from each end of the beam.
The gap distance, G, is always 12 mm. The support distance varies depending
on the type of support and the angle at which the beam frames into the support.
If the end of the beam is supported by a wall or a point support, the support
distance, S, is assumed to be zero. If the end of the beam is supported by
another beam, support distance S is determined as illustrated in Cases 1 and 2
in Figure 2-14, which show the beam supported by an I-shaped beam. A
similar method is used in the unusual case of other types of support beams.
If the end of the beam is supported by a column, S is determined as illustrated

in Cases 3, 4 and 5 in Figure 2-14, which show the beam supported by an I-
shaped column. A similar method is used for box columns and in the very
unusual case of some other column shape.
In the unusual case of some other column shape, the program draws a bounding
rectangle around the shape. The sides of the rectangle are parallel to the local 2
and 3 axes of the shape. The beam is assumed to connect to the center of the
bounding rectangle. The dimensions of the edges of the rectangle are assumed
to be bf and d, where bf is the dimension parallel to the local 3 axis, and d is the
dimension parallel to the local 2 axis.
2.16.1.2 Distribution of Shear Studs Within a Composite Beam

Segment
The program always assumes a uniform intensity of shear studs within a
composite beam segment. This is a convenient assumption that in some cases
may lead to a slightly conservative number of shear studs.
2.16.2 How the Program Distributes Steel Headed Stud

Anchors on a Beam
This section describes how the program calculates the shear stud distribution
on a beam.
When determining the distribution of shear studs on a composite beam, the

program considers the following output stations:
1. The output station with the maximum positive moment.
How the Program Distributes Steel Headed Stud Anchors on a Beam 2 - 45

2. Any output station with a positive moment greater than 0.999 times the
maximum positive moment.
3. Any output station that has a point load applied to it for any load case
defined in the program. Even if the load case with the point load is not
used in the design load combinations for composite beam design, the
program will still consider the output station associated with the point load
when it determines the shear stud distribution. It will not, however, in any
way explicitly consider the loads in that unused load case when
determining the shear stud distribution.
At each considered output station, the program begins by determining the
distances L1 left and L1 right. These are illustrated in Figure 2-15 for a typical
composite beam with positive moment only and with a concrete slab over
metal deck along its entire length. The following notation is used in the figure:
L = Length of composite beam measured from center-of-support to
center-of-support, mm.
L1 left = Distance from the output station considered to the closest point
of zero moment or physical end of the beam top flange, or
physical end of the concrete slab on the left side of the output
station considered, mm.
L1 right = Distance from the output station considered to the closest point
of zero moment or physical end of the beam top flange, or
physical end of the concrete slab on the right side of the output
station considered, mm.
Figure 2-15 Illustration of L1 left and L1 right
2 - 46 How the Program Distributes Steel Headed Stud Anchors on a Beam

Next, the program calculates the number of shear studs, N, required within the
lengths L1 left and L1 right. This is a code-specific calculation and is described in
the next chapter.
The program works along the beam from left to right, making calculations at
each considered output station along the way. These calculations are described
later in this section. When there is more than one composite beam segment
along the beam, the program must also work back along the beam from right to
left, again making calculations at each considered output station along the way,
after finishing the pass from left to right.
When the program completes the necessary calculations at each considered

output station, it has determined the required uniformly spaced shear studs in
each composite beam segment along the beam based on strength
considerations. If the calculated number of studs is then found to be less than
the minimum required number of studs on the beam, the program increases the
number of studs on the beam accordingly. This check is described later in the
subsection entitled Minimum and Maximum Number of Shear Studs in a
Composite Beam Segment.
The program also checks if the number of shear studs required based on
strength considerations or minimum stud requirements actually fit on the beam.
This check is described in the section entitled Number of Shear Studs that Fit
in a Composite Beam Segment later in this chapter. If the required number of
studs does not fit on the beam, the program considers the beam to be
inadequate.
In the following description of the calculations, the program performs as it

steps along the beam and then back again, the terms LCBSn and NCBSn are used.
LCBS is the length of a composite beam segment, and NCBS is the number of
uniformly spaced shear studs required in a composite beam segment. The n is
the composite beam segment number. The leftmost composite beam segment is
always LCBS1, and the numbering of composite beam segments then proceeds in
order toward the right end of the beam.
The values we are ultimately interested in are the NCBSn values. Note that the
final NCBSn values calculated are the values of interest. All other NCBSn values
are intermediate values.

Also in the equations used note that NCBSxPrev is the value of NCBSx calculated at
the previously considered output station. Finally the term Roundup used in
some of the equations means to calculate the indicated quantity and round it up
to the next integer.
2.16.2.1 Equations Used When the Program Works from Left to

Right
When the program is working from left to right along the beam, the equation
used to calculate NCBSn depends on the location of the output station considered.
(a) Output Station in Composite Beam Segment 1
When working along the beam from left to right and the output station
considered falls in composite beam segment 1, or at the right end of composite
beam segment 1, the following equation is used to determine the value of
NCBS1. Note that when there is only one composite beam segment along the
beam, the following equation is used at each considered output station.
  N N  
=N CBS1 Roundup  Max  ,  * LCBS1  ≥ N CBS1 Prev
 
  L1 left L1 right  
Values of NCBSn where n> 1 (i.e., values of NCBS for composite beam segments
2, 3, etc.) are not applicable and thus not calculated at these stations when
working along the beam from left to right. In the term NCBS1, the "1" denotes
composite beam segment 1.
(b) Output Station in Composite Beam Segment n, n> 1
The equations in this subsection are used when the output station considered
falls in composite beam segment n, where n > 1, and the program is working
from left to right along the beam. Note that if the output station considered
coincides with the right end of composite beam segment n, the output station is
assumed to be in composite beam segment n (when working along the beam
from left to right).
The following equation applies for composite beam segments i, where i is an

integer less than n.

 N 
=N CBSi Roundup  * LCBSi  ≥ N CBSi Prev
 L1 left 
 
The next two equations apply for composite beam segment n.

n −1 n −1
N
If ∑
L1 left i 1 =i 1
=
∑
* LCBSi < N CBSi , use the following equation to calculate NCBSn.
n −1
 
 N- N CBSi  ∑
=N CBSn Roundup  i =1
* LCBSn  ≥ N CBSn Prev
 n −1 
 L1 left −
 i =1
LCBSi 

∑
Otherwise use the next equation to calculate NCBSn.
 N 
=N CBSn Roundup  * LCBSn  ≥ N CBSn Prev
 L1 left 
 
When I >n, values of NCBSi are not applicable and thus are not calculated at
those stations when working along the beam from left to right.
2.16.2.2 Equations Used When the Program Works from Right

to Left
Recall that it is necessary for the program to work back along the beam from
right to left only if there is more than one composite beam segment along the
length of the beam. When the program is working back along the beam from
right to left, the equation used to calculate NCBSn again depends on the location
of the output station considered.
(a) Output Station in Rightmost Composite Beam Segment
The equations in this subsection are used when working back along the beam
from right to left and the output station considered falls in the rightmost
composite beam segment, or at the left end of the rightmost composite beam
segment. For the rightmost composite beam segment:

  N N  
N CBS rightmost = Roundup  Max  ,  * LCBS rightmost  ,
 
  L1 left L1 right  
N CBS rightmost ≥ N CBS rightmost prev
For other composite beam segments that are not the rightmost composite beam
segment, the following equation applies, where i represents the composite
beam segment number.
N CBSi = N CBSi Prev
(b) Output Station Not in Rightmost Composite Beam Segment
The equations in this subsection apply when working back along the beam
from right to left. (Note that this implies that there is more than one composite
beam segment along the beam.) In this section, assume that the output station
considered falls within (or at the left end of) composite beam segment n.

integer greater than n. For example, if the output station considered falls in
composite beam segment 2, this equation applies to composite beam segments
3, 4, etc.
 N 
=N CBSi Roundup  * LCBSi  ≥ N CBSi Prev
 L1 right 
 
The following two equations apply for composite beam segment n. For
example, if the output station considered falls in composite beam segment 2,
the following two equations apply to composite beam segment 2 only.
rightmost rightmost
N
If
L1 right
* ∑
i=
n +1
LCBSi < ∑
i=
n +1
N CBSi , use the following equation to calculate
NCBSn.
 rightmost

 N − N CBSi  ∑
=N CBSn Roundup  i= n +1
* L 
CBSn  ≥ N CBSn Prev
 rightmost
 L1 right −
 i= n +1
LCBSi 

∑

Otherwise, use this equation to calculate NCBSn.
 N 
=N CBSn Roundup  * LCBSn  ≥ N CBSn Prev
 L1 right 
 

integer less than n. For example, if the output station considered falls in composite
beam segment 2, this equation applies to composite beam segment 1.
N CBSi = N CBSi Prev
2.16.2.3 Minimum and Maximum Number of Shear Studs in a

Composite Beam Segment
After the number of shear studs required in a composite beam segment has
been calculated using the procedure described in the previous section, the
program checks that the number of studs is not less than the required minimum.
This required minimum, MSCBS, is calculated based on the maximum
longitudinal spacing of shear studs along the length of the beam, MaxLS, which
is specified on the Shear Studs tab in the composite beam overwrites. This
calculations is shown in the following equation.
 L 
MSCBS = Roundup  CBS 
 Max LS 
The program also checks that the number of studs required in a composite
beam segment does not exceed the number that can actually fit in the segment.
The section entitled Number of Shear Studs that Fit in a Composite Beam
Segment describes how the program determines the maximum number of shear
studs that can fit into a composite beam segment.
Note that the minimum number of shear studs required in a composite beam
segment is calculated based on the maximum longitudinal spacing of shear
studs specified on the Shear Studs tab in the overwrites.
2.16.3 A Note About Multiple Design Load Combinations

When there are multiple design load combinations on a composite beam, the
program determines the stud distribution separately for each design load
A Note About Multiple Design Load Combinations 2 - 51

combination and then uses an intelligent algorithm to determine the final stud
distribution that satisfies all design load combinations.
As an example, consider a beam with four composite beam segments (CBS1

through CBS4) and two separate design load combinations (1 and 2). Figure 2-
16(a) shows the stud distribution obtained for the first design load combination,
and Figure 2-16(b) shows the stud distribution obtained for the second design
load combination. Note that the term NCBS in the figure denotes the number of
shear studs in the corresponding composite beam segment.
Figure 2-16(c) shows the final stud distribution that reports for this beam. Note
that the intelligent algorithm allows the program to shift one of the five shear
studs required in composite beam segment 2 for design load combination 1 into
composite segment 1.
CBS1 CBS2 CBS3 CBS4

NCBS = 5 NCBS = 5 NCBS = 5 NCBS = 5
a) Shear Stud Distribution for Design Load Combination 1
CBS1 CBS2 CBS3 CBS4

b) Shear Stud Distribution for Design Load Combination 2
CBS1 CBS2 CBS3 CBS4

c) Final Shear Stud Distribution Reported by the Program
Figure 2-16 Example of Shear Stud Distribution

When Multiple Design Load Combinations Are Considered
2 - 52 A Note About Multiple Design Load Combinations

2.17 Number of Shear Studs that Fit in a Composite

Beam Segment
Composite beam segments are defined in the subsection entitled Composite
Beam Segments of the section entitled Distribution of Shear Studs on a
Composite Beam. In short, a composite beam segment spans between any of
the following: (1) physical end of the beam top flange; (2) another beam
framing into the beam being considered; (3) physical end of the concrete slab
on top of the beam. When the program designs a composite beam, it reports the
required number of uniformly spaced shear studs in each composite beam
segment.
For a beam section to be adequate in the program Composite Beam Design

postprocessor, the stresses and deflections for the beam must be less than the
allowable stresses and deflections, and the number of shear studs required in
each composite beam segment must be less than or equal to the maximum
number of shear studs that can fit in the composite beam segment. This section
describes how the program calculates the maximum number of shear studs that
fit in a composite beam segment.
The program uses the same process to determine the number of shear
connectors that can fit on a composite beam when there is a solid slab with no
metal deck and when the deck ribs span parallel to the beam span. The program
uses a different process when the deck ribs span perpendicular to the beam.
These conditions are described in the next two sections.
2.17.1 Solid Slab or Deck Ribs Oriented Parallel to Beam Span

When there is a solid slab with no metal deck, or when there is metal deck and
the metal deck ribs are assumed to be oriented parallel to the beam span, the
program uses the following process to determine the number of shear studs that
can be placed within a composite beam segment. See the subsection entitled
Composite Beam Segments of the section entitled Distribution of Steel Headed
Stud Anchors on a Composite Beam for a definition of a composite beam
segment.
The number of shear studs that can fit in a row across the beam top flange may
be limited by the width of the beam top flange, by the width of the deck ribs, or
Solid Slab or Deck Ribs Oriented Parallel to Beam Span 2 - 53

by the Max Studs per Row item specified on the Shear Studs tab in the
composite beam overwrites.
1. The program determines the number of shear studs that can fit in a single
row across the width of the top flange of the beam. When there is a solid
slab (no metal deck), the number of shear studs is limited by the width or
thickness of the beam flange (item 1a below), or by the "Max Studs per
Row" item specified on the Shear Studs tab in the composite beam
overwrites. When the deck spans parallel to the beam, the number of shear
studs may be limited by the width or thickness of the beam flange (item 1a
below), the width of the metal deck rib (item 1b below), or by the "Max
Studs per Row" item specified on the Shear Studs tab in the composite
beam overwrites. Following is a description of each of these limits:
a. When checking the number of shear studs that fit across the width of
the beam flange, the program assumes that the studs are centered about
the centerline (web) of the beam and that the center of a shear stud can
be no closer than ds or 25 mm, whichever is larger, to the edge of the
beam flange. This is illustrated in the following sketch.
In the preceding paragraph and the sketch, ds is the diameter of the

shear stud. The clearance requirement means that the minimum clear
distance from the face of a shear stud to the edge of the beam flange is
equal to one-half of a shear stud diameter. For shear studs less than 25
mm in diameter (typically they are 19 mm diameter), the program
clearance is slightly more than one-half of a shear stud diameter. This
clear distance is provided by the program to allow for adequate
welding of the shear stud.
b. When checking the number of shear studs that fit within a metal deck
rib, the program assumes that the studs and deck rib are centered about
the centerline (web) of the beam and that the center of a shear stud can
2 - 54 Solid Slab or Deck Ribs Oriented Parallel to Beam Span

be no closer than ds+ hr/4 to the edge of the beam flange. This is
illustrated in the following sketch.
hr
≥ (ds + hr/4) ≥ (ds + hr/4)
wr
In the preceding paragraph and the sketch, ds is the diameter of the

shear stud, and hr is the height of the metal deck ribs. The wr dimension
in the sketch is the average width of the deck ribs. The spacing
between the shear studs is the “Min Tran. Spacing” item specified on
the Shear Studs tab in the composite beam design overwrites. The
default value for this shear stud spacing is 4ds.
The dimension ds + hr/4 is derived by assuming that the slope of the

sides of the metal deck ribs is 2 to 1 and that the clear distance from
the face of the shear stud to the point where the edge of the deck rib
starts to rise is equal to one-half of a shear stud diameter. This clear
distance is provided by the program to allow for adequate welding of
the shear stud.
Regardless of the number of studs calculated to fit across the width of the
beam flange in items 1a or 1b above, the program does not use a number of
studs larger than the “Max Studs per Row” item specified on the Shear
Studs tab in the composite beam design overwrites.
2. The program determines the number of rows of shear studs that can fit
between the two considered points on the beam top flange. This number of
rows is controlled by the “Min Long Spacing” item specified on the Shear
Studs tab in the composite beam design overwrites.
3. The program multiplies the maximum number of shear studs in a single

row, determined in item 1, by the number of rows of studs that can fit in a
composite beam segment, determined in item 2, to calculate the maximum
number of studs that can fit in the composite beam segment.
Figure 2-17 is a flowchart that illustrates the details of how the program
calculates the maximum number of shear studs that fit in a composite beam
Solid Slab or Deck Ribs Oriented Parallel to Beam Span 2 - 55

segment when there is a solid slab or when the span of the metal deck is
parallel to the beam span.
Yes
Start ds SPRmax = 1
Here
Is t f − top < ?
2.5
No
Yes
Is this a solid slab (i.e., no Temp = Minimum of (bf-top -2ds, bf-top -2)
metal deck)?
No
Temp = Minimum of (bf-top -2ds, wr - 2ds - 0.5hr, bf-top -2)
 Temp 
SPR max = Int  + 1 ≤ MSPR
 MTS 
L − MLS  L 
RSmax = Int  CBS + 1 = Int  CBS 
 MLS   MLS 
NSmax = SPRmax * RSmax
Figure 2-17 Flowchart of the Method Used to Determine Maximum Number of

Shear Studs that Can Fit within a Composite Beam Segment When There is a Solid
Slab or the Metal Deck Ribs Are Oriented Parallel to the Beam Span (The term "Int"
in the flowchart means to calculate the indicated quantity and
round the result down to the nearest integer.)
The term "Int" in the flowchart means to calculate the indicated quantity and
round the result down to the nearest integer. The definitions of the variables
used in the flowchart are:
tf-top = Thickness of beam top flange, mm.
ds = Diameter of a shear stud connector, mm.
SPRmax = Maximum number of shear studs that can fit in one row across
the top flange of a composite beam, unitless.
Temp = Temporary variable equal to the minimum of the 2 or 3 items

specified in the parenthesis, mm. The items specified are
separated by commas.
2 - 56 Solid Slab or Deck Ribs Oriented Parallel to Beam Span

bf-top = Width of beam top flange, mm.
wr = Average width of metal deck rib, mm.
hr = Height of the metal deck rib, mm.
MTS = Minimum transverse spacing of shear studs across the beam top
flange as specified on the Shear Studs tab in the composite beam
overwrites, mm.
MSPR = Maximum shear studs per row across the beam top flange as
specified on the Shear Studs tab in the composite beam
overwrites, unitless.
RSmax = Maximum number of rows of shear studs that can fit in a

composite beam segment, unitless.
LCBS = Length of a composite beam segment, mm.
MLS = Minimum longitudinal spacing of shear studs along the length of

the beam as specified on the Shear Studs tab in the composite
beam overwrites, mm.
NSmax = Maximum number of shear studs that fit in a composite beam

segment, unitless.
Note that in the flowchart formulation, the studs located closest to the ends of
the composite beam segment are located no closer than MLS/2 to the ends of
the composite beam segment. This helps prevent possible double-counting of
shear studs in adjacent composite beam segments.
2.17.2 Deck Ribs Oriented Perpendicular to Beam Span

When the deck ribs are oriented perpendicular to the beam span, the program
limits the number of rows of shear studs across the width of the beam flange in
each metal deck rib to one. For a typical case with 19 mm diameter shear studs
and an average width of the deck rib equal to 150 mm, it is difficult to fit more
than one row of shear studs in a deck rib and still have adequate edge
clearances. To have more than one row of shear studs in a single deck rib,
specify a user defined shear connector pattern for the beam.
Deck Ribs Oriented Perpendicular to Beam Span 2 - 57

The process used to determine the number of shear studs that can fit in a
composite beam segment when the metal deck is assumed to span
perpendicular to the beam span is described as follows.
1. The program determines the number of shear studs that can fit in a single
row across the width of the top flange of the beam. This number of shear
studs is limited by either the width or thickness of the beam flange, or by
the "Max Studs per Row" item specified on the Shear Studs tab in the
composite beam overwrites.
When checking the number of shear studs that fit

across the width of the beam flange, the program
assumes that the studs are centered about the
centerline (web) of the beam and that the center of a
shear stud can be no closer than either ds or 25 mm,
whichever is larger, to the edge of the beam flange.
This is illustrated in the sketch to the right.
In the preceding paragraph and the sketch, ds is the diameter of the shear
stud. The clearance requirement means that the minimum clear distance
from the face of a shear stud to the edge of the beam flange is equal to one-
half of a shear stud diameter. For shear studs less than 25 mm in diameter
(typically they are 19 mm in diameter), the program clearance is slightly
more than one-half of a shear stud diameter. This clear distance is provided
by the program to allow for adequate welding of the shear stud.
Some codes require that if the thickness of the beam flange is less than the
diameter of the stud divided by 2.5, the shear studs must be located on top
of the beam web. This means that only one stud can fit across the width of
the beam flange if tf <ds/2.5. The program checks the top flange thickness
for this requirement when determining the number of studs that fit across
the width of the beam flange.
2. The program determines how many deck ribs are available to receive shear
studs within the length of the composite beam segment. To determine this,
the program makes several assumptions, which are described as follows:
a. The mid-height of a side of the metal deck rib is assumed to align with
one end of the composite beam segment, as shown in Figure 2-18. In
2 - 58 Deck Ribs Oriented Perpendicular to Beam Span

other words, one end of the composite beam segment is always

assumed to start with an "up" flute.
b. If one-half or more of the width of a metal deck rib down flute is

within the length of the composite beam segment, the program assumes
that the deck rib is available to receive shear studs. This is illustrated in
Figure 2-18.
Length of composite beam segment

Sr
Sr - wr wr
≥ 0.5 wr for shear stud to

be assumed to fit in the
Midheight of metal deck rib down flute
is assumed to align with
one end of the composite
beam segment as shown.
Figure 2-18 Illustration of Some of the ETABS Assumptions

Used to Determine the Number of Available Deck Ribs
c. The minimum longitudinal spacing of shear studs along the length of
the beam as specified on the Shear Studs tab in the composite beam
overwrites is assumed to apply when the deck ribs run perpendicular to
the beam span. In some cases, this could cause deck ribs that are within
the length of the composite beam segment to be unavailable to receive
shear studs.
3. The program multiplies the maximum number of shear studs in a single

row across the beam flange, determined as described in item 1, by the
number of deck ribs within the length of the composite beam segment that
are available to receive shear studs, determined as described in item 2, to
calculate the maximum number of studs that can fit in the composite beam
segment.
Figure 2-19 is a flowchart that illustrates the details of how the program
calculates the maximum number of shear studs that fit in a composite beam
segment when the span of the metal deck is perpendicular to the beam span.
Deck Ribs Oriented Perpendicular to Beam Span 2 - 59

Yes
Start ds SPRmax = 1
Here
Is t f − top < ?
2.5
No
 b f − top − 2d s 
No SPR max = Int  + 1 ≤ MSPR
Is ds ≤ 1" ? MTS
 
Yes
 b f − top − 2 
SPR max = Int  + 1 ≤ MSPR
 MTS 
 
 
 L CBS − Sr + 0.5w r 
NR = Int  + 1
 Int  MLS + 1 S 
  S  r 
  r  
NSmax = SPRmax * NR
Figure 2-19 Flowchart of the Method to Determine the Maximum Number of Shear
Studs that Can Fit Within a Composite Beam Segment When the Metal Deck Ribs
Are Oriented Perpendicular to the Beam Span (The term "Int" in the flowchart means
to calculate the indicated quantity and
round the result down to the nearest integer.)
The term "Int" in the flowchart means to calculate the indicated quantity and
round the result down to the nearest integer. The definitions of the variables
used in the flowchart are the same as those used in the Figure 2-17 flowchart,
with the following additions:
Sr = Center-to-center spacing of metal deck ribs, mm.
NR = Available number of metal deck ribs within the composite beam

segment that are available to receive shear studs, unitless.
2.17.2.1 Different Deck Type or Orientation on Beam Sides

When a different type or orientation of the metal deck exists on the two sides of
the beam, the program determines the maximum number of shear studs that fit
in the composite beam segment for each of the two deck types/orientations.
The smaller maximum value obtained is used as the maximum number of shear
studs that fit within the composite beam segment.
2 - 60 Deck Ribs Oriented Perpendicular to Beam Span

2.18 User Defined Shear Connector Patterns

This section explains how to specify the shear stud pattern rather than have the
program determine the distribution of shear studs. This can be useful when
checking an existing building, or if there is a certain shear stud pattern that is
required, for example, one shear stud per foot of beam length.
2.18.1 Specifying a User Defined Shear Connector Pattern

User defined shear connector patterns are specified on the Shear Studs tab in the
composite beam overwrites. See Appendix B Overwrites for more information.
The composite beam overwrites can be used to specify a uniform spacing of

shear studs located on top of the beam web and centered along the length of the
beam top flange, or to specify a starting and ending point for a beam section
and the number of studs that are uniformly spaced within the beam section. Use
one of these options or use the two options together to define the studs on a
beam.
The term beam section is purposely used here to differentiate it from a

composite beam segment. Do not confuse composite beam sections and
composite beam segments. They are two entirely different items. Composite
beam segments are described in the subsection entitled Composite Beam
Segments of the section entitled Distribution of Shear Studs on a Composite
Beam in this chapter. Beam sections are simply an arbitrary length of the beam,
defined by a starting and ending location over which a certain number of
uniformly spaced shear studs is specified.
The following two sections describe the two methods of specifying user defined
shear studs.
2.18.2 Uniformly Spaced Shear Studs Over the Length of the

Beam
When uniformly spaced user defined shear studs are specified over the length
of the beam, the program treats the shear studs as if they are all in a single line
along the beam web and disregards any checks for minimum longitudinal
spacing requirements.
Specifying a User Defined Shear Connector Pattern 2 - 61

Figure 2-20 illustrates uniformly spaced user defined shear studs over the
length of the beam. These shear studs are specified by inputting the spacing for
the Uniform Spacing item on the Shear Studs tab in the composite beam
overwrites.
Greater than or equal to Shear studs are centered
MLS / 2 and less than one- along the length of the Specified uniform
half the specified uniform beam top flange shear connector
shear connector spacing spacing
plus MLS / 2
Elevation
End distance Shear studs at specified uniform spacing centered along length of beam top flange End distance
is the same is the same
at each end at each end
Plan View of Top Flange
Figure 2-20 Uniformly Spaced User Defined Shear Connectors Over the Length of the Beam,
Specified Using the Uniform Spacing Item
on the Shear Studs Tab in the Composite Beam Overwrites
Note the following about these shear studs:
1. The shear studs are assumed to occur over the length of the top flange of
the beam. In most cases, this is shorter than the center-of-support to center-
of-support length of the beam.
2. There is assumed to be one shear stud per row. To use this option to
specify 2 studs every 300 mm, specify a spacing of 150 mm. The 150 mm
spacing gives the closest equivalent to two studs every 300 mm.
3. The program determines the exact distance from the end of the beam top
flange (or end of the concrete slab) to the first shear stud, as shown in the
following equation. In that equation the term “Int” means to calculate the
indicated quantity and round the result down to the nearest integer, and the
2 - 62 Uniformly Spaced Shear Studs Over the Length of the Beam

term "Specified Spacing" is the spacing input in the composite beam

overwrites for the Uniform Spacing item.
 TFL − MLS 
TFL − Int   * Specified Spacing
ED =  Specified Spacing 
2
where,
ED = Distance from the end of the beam top flange (or end of the
concrete slab) to the first shear stud, m.
TFL = The length of the beam top flange available to receive shear studs,
mm. This length is typically determined by subtracting the support
distance and the gap distance at each end of the beam from the
center-of-support to center-of-support length of the beam. In
special cases, an additional distance can be subtracted if the slab
does not exist over some portion of the beam.
MLS = Minimum longitudinal spacing of shear studs along the length of
the beam, as specified on the Shear Studs tab in the composite
beam overwrites, mm.
After the shear studs at the end of the beam top flange (or end of the concrete
slab) have been located using the preceding equation, the program knows the
exact location of each uniformly spaced shear stud along the length of the
beam.
In the preceding equation, the studs at the ends of the beam are assumed to be
no closer than MLS/2 from the end of the beam top flange. The studs at the
ends of the beam are also assumed to be no farther than (MLS + Specified
Spacing)/2 from the end of the beam top flange. Finally, the distance from the
studs at the ends of the beam to the end of the beam top flange is assumed to be
the same at each end of the beam.
Similar to the preceding, if the concrete slab stops before the end of the beam,
the first shear stud at that end of the beam is assumed to occur at a distance not
less than MLS/2 from the end of the slab and not more than (MLS + the
specified uniform spacing)/2 from the end of the slab.
Uniformly Spaced Shear Studs Over the Length of the Beam 2 - 63

2.18.3 Additional Shear Studs in Specified Sections of Beam

When the user specifies the starting and ending points of a beam section and
the number of uniformly spaced shear studs in the section, the program treats
the shear connectors as if they are all in a single line and disregards any checks
for minimum longitudinal spacing requirements.
2.18.3.1 Defining Additional Beam Sections

To define additional beam sections for specifying shear studs, simply specify a
distance along the beam that locates the starting point of the beam section, specify
a second (longer) distance along the beam that locates the ending point of the beam
section, and then specify the total number of uniformly spaced shear studs that fall
within the specified beam section.
Distances can be specified as absolute (actual) distances or relative distances,

both measured from the I-end of the beam. A relative distance to a point is the
absolute distance to that point divided by the length of the beam measured from
the center-of- support to center-of-support.
Do not confuse beam sections with composite beam segments. See the section
entitled Specifying a User Defined Shear Connector Pattern earlier in this
section for more information.
Note the following about the shear studs specified for additional beam sections:
 The program assumes that the specified shear studs occur in a single line
along the beam web within the specified length of the beam section. It
further assumes that the end shear studs in the beam section are located one-
half of the equal space from the ends of the specified beam section. These
assumptions mean that the spacing of shear studs in a beam section is equal
to the length of the beam top flange available to receive shear studs in the
beam section divided by the specified number of shear studs. See Figure 2-20
for an example.
The figure shows a beam section that is 2750 mm long. Assume that 11 shear
studs have been specified for this beam section. The spacing of shear studs in
the beam section is equal to the beam section length divided by the number
of studs, that is, 2750 mm/11 studs = 250 mm/stud. The end studs are located
2 - 64 Additional Shear Studs in Specified Sections of Beam

one-half of a space, that is, 250 mm/2 = 125 mm, from each end of the beam
section.
Figure 2-21 Assumed Spacing of User Defined Shear Studs
The program does not check shear stud spacing requirements for user defined
shear stud patterns.
 Assume that a beam section is specified at the end of a beam and the beam
top flange does not exist over a portion of that beam section length. This can
often happen because, as described in the Physical End of the Beam Top
Flange of the section entitled Distribution of Shear Studs on a Composite
Beam, the program subtracts a support distance and a gap distance from the
end of the beam when computing the length of the beam top flange.
In that case, the program places all of the specified shear studs on the portion
of the top flange that does exist. See Figure 2-22 for an illustration.
The figure shows a beam section at the end of the beam that is 3000 mm
long. The end of the beam top flange starts 250 mm from the specified left
end of the beam section. Thus, the actual length of top flange available for
shear studs is 2750 mm. Assume that 11 shear studs have been specified for
this beam section.
As previously mentioned, the spacing of shear studs in a beam section is

equal to the length of the beam top flange available to receive shear studs in
the beam section divided by the specified number of shear studs. In this case,
Additional Shear Studs in Specified Sections of Beam 2 - 65

2750 mm11 studs = 250 mm/stud. The end studs are located one-half of a
space, that is 250 mm/2 = 125 mm, from each end of the beam top flange
within the beam section.
Figure 2-22 Example Showing No Beam Top Flange

Over a Portion of the Specified Beam Section Length
 If the beam top flange does not exist over the entire length of the specified
beam section, the program ignores the shear studs that are specified for that
beam section.
2.18.3.2 Example of a User Defined Shear Stud Pattern

Refer to the example shown in Figure 2-23. To specify the actual shear
connector layout shown in Figure 2-23, three beam sections are specified.
Table 2-3 shows how each of the three beam sections should be specified.
Figure 2-22b illustrates how the program interprets the stud pattern as specified
in Table 2-3. The location and spacing of shear studs is as described in the
bulleted items in the previous subsection entitled Defining Additional Beam
Sections.
2 - 66 Additional Shear Studs in Specified Sections of Beam

Figure 2-23 Example of a User-Defined Shear Stud Pattern
Table 2-3 Specification of Beam Sections in the Example Shown in Figure 2-23
Beam Section Starting Point Ending Point Number of Studs
1 0 mm 1,000 mm 6
2 1,000 mm 2,200 mm 4
3 2,200 mm 3,200 mm 6
2.18.4 How the Program Checks a Beam with User Defined

Shear Studs
When the number and location of shear studs on a beam is defined, the
program performs flexural design somewhat differently from how it is
described elsewhere in this manual. For flexural design with user defined shear
studs, the program calculates the percent composite connection (PCC) at each
design output station based on the specified shear stud layout. The program
then calculates the beam section properties for this PCC and derives a flexural
stress ratio (actual stress divided by allowable stress).
How the Program Checks a Beam with User Defined Shear Studs 2 - 67
2.19 Transformed Section Moment of Inertia

This section describes in general terms how the program calculates the transformed
moment of inertia for a composite section, Itr. The calculated transformed moment
of inertia applies for full (100%) composite connection. See Effective Moment of
Inertia for Partial Composite Connection in the next section.
Note that the transformed section properties used for stress calculations for a
beam may be different from those used for deflection calculations or vibration
calculation for the same beam because of the use of Ec for long term and short
term conditions. Also for vibration, concrete is assumed to be effective in both
tension and compression; whereas for deflection calculation, the concrete is
considered effective only in compression.
The program determines the transformed section moment of inertia for three
different sets of conditions for three reasons:
(i) Deflection check: For deflection calculation, Itr is based on the following
conditions:
(a) Ec is based on the long term modulus of elasticity of concrete. It

considers the effect of creep. Ec is taken as the modulus of elasticity
as defined by the user for the material definition divided by the creep
factor.
(b) Concrete is assumed to be effective in compression only.
(ii) Vibration check: For vibration calculation, Itr is based on the following
conditions:
(a) Ec is based on the enhanced short term modulus of elasticity of

concrete. It considers a small strain range in vibration. Ec is taken as
the modulus of elasticity as defined by the user multiplied by an
enhancement factor, which is 1.35 based on DG11.
(b) Concrete is assumed to be effective for both compression and

tension. This is also based on the small strain concept.
(iii) Stress check: For stress check or for calculating moment capacity in the
elastic range, Itr is based on the following conditions:
2 - 68 How the Program Checks a Beam with User Defined Shear Studs
(a) Ec is based on short term modulus of elasticity of concrete. Ec is

taken as the modulus of elasticity as defined by the user for material
definition. The value is not modified.
(b) Concrete is assumed to be effective in compression only.
2.19.1 Background
Figure 2-24 shows a typical rolled steel composite floor beam with the metal
deck ribs running parallel to the beam. Figure 2-25 shows a typical composite
user defined steel beam with the metal deck ribs running parallel to the beam.
Note that the user defined beam may have a different top and bottom flange
size, and that no fillets are assumed in this beam.
Figure 2-24 Composite Rolled Steel Beam Shown with Metal Deck Ribs
Running Parallel to the Beam
Background 2 - 69
Figure 2-25 Composite User-Defined Steel Beam Shown with Metal Deck Ribs
Running Parallel to the Beam
For each of these configurations the following items may or may not be
included when calculating the transformed section moment of inertia:
Concrete in the metal deck ribs: The concrete in the metal deck ribs is
included in the calculation when the deck ribs are oriented parallel to the beam
(typically the case for girders). It is not included when the deck ribs are
oriented perpendicular to the beam (typically the case for infill beams).
Cover plate: The cover plate is included only if one is specified by the user in
the composite beam overwrites.
Note that the deck type and deck orientation may be different on the two sides
of the beam as described in Multiple Deck Types or Directions Along the Beam
Length in the section entitled Effective Width of the Concrete Slab.
Because composite behavior is considered for positive bending only, the

transformed section moment of inertia is calculated for positive bending only
(top of composite section in compression). Calculation of the transformed
2 - 70 Background
section moment of inertia is greatly complicated by the requirement that the

concrete resist no tension.
The first task in calculating the transformed section moment of inertia of the
composite section is to compute properties for the steel beam alone (plus the
cover plate, if it exists). The properties required are the total area, Abare, the
location of the ENA, ybare, and the moment of inertia, Is.
2.19.2 Properties of Steel Beam (Plus Cover Plate) Alone

The location of the Elastic Neutral Axis, ENA, for the steel beam alone (plus
cover plate if applicable) is defined by the distance ybare, where ybare is the
distance from the bottom of the bottom flange of the beam to the ENA, as
shown in Figure 2-26. If there is a cover plate, ybare is still measured from the
bottom of the bottom flange of the beam, not the bottom of the cover plate.
Figure 2-26 also illustrates an example of the dimension y1 that is used in

Tables 2-4 and 2-5. For a given element of a steel section, the dimension y1 is
equal to the distance from the bottom of the beam bottom flange to the centroid
of the element. Figure 2-25 illustrates the distance y1 for the beam top flange.
Figure 2- 26 Illustration of ybare and y1
If the beam section is a rolled steel beam or channel chosen from the program
section database, Abare, ybare and Ibare are calculated as shown in Table 2-4 and
using the subsequent three equations (after Table 2-5). If the beam section is a
user defined (welded) beam, they are calculated using Table 2-5 and the
subsequent three equations.
Properties of Steel Beam (Plus Cover Plate) Alone 2 - 71

Table 2-4 Section Properties for Rolled Steel Beam Plus Cover Plate
Item Area, A y1 Ay1 Ay12 IO
d
Steel beam As Ay1 Ay12 Is
2
3
tcp bcp tcp
Cover plate bcptcp − Ay1 Ay12
2 12
Sums ∑A ∑ ( Ay )1 ∑( Ay12 ) ∑I O
Table 2-5 Section Properties for User-Defined (Welded) Steel Beam Plus Cover Plate
Item Area, A y1 Ay1 Ay12 IO
t f −top b f − top t 3f − top
Top flange bf-toptf-top d− Ay1 Ay12
2 12
d tw h3
Web htw Ay1 Ay12
2 12
t f −bot b f − bot t 3f − bot
Bottom flange bf-bottf-bot Ay1 Ay12
2 12
3
tcp bcp tcp
Cover plate bcptcp − Ay1 Ay12
2 12
Sums ∑A ∑ ( Ay ) 1 ∑( Ay12 ) ∑I O
The area of the steel section (including the cover plate if it exists), Abare, is
given by the following equation
Abare = ∑ A.
The ENA of the steel section is located a distance ybare from the bottom of the
bottom flange of the steel beam section (not bottom of cover plate) where ybare
is determined from the following equation
ybare =
∑ ( Ay ) .
1
∑A
The moment of inertia of the steel section (plus cover plate, if one exists) about
its ENA, Ibare, is given by the following equation
I bare
= ∑ ( Ay ) + ∑ I − ( ∑ A) y
1
2
O
2
bare .
2 - 72 Properties of Steel Beam (Plus Cover Plate) Alone

The following notations are used in the preceding Tables 2-4 and 2-5 and the
preceding equations:
Abare = Area of the steel beam (plus cover plate, if one exists), mm2.
As = Area of the rolled steel section alone (without the cover plate
even if one exists), mm2.
Ibare = Moment of inertia of the steel beam (plus cover plate if one
exists), mm4.
IO = The moment of inertia of an element of the beam section taken

about the ENA of the element, mm4.
Is = Moment of inertia of the steel beam alone (without the cover

plate even if one exists), mm4.
bcp = Width of the steel cover plate, mm.
bf-bot = Width of the bottom flange of a user defined steel beam, mm.
bf-top = Width of the top flange of a user defined steel beam, mm.
d = Depth of the steel beam from the outside face of the top flange
to the outside face of the bottom flange, mm.
h = Clear distance between the flanges for user defined (welded)

sections, mm.
tcp = Thickness of the cover plate, mm.
tf-bot = Thickness of the bottom flange of a user defined (welded)

section, mm.
tf-top = Thickness of the top flange of a user defined (welded) section,

mm.
tw = Thickness of the web of a user defined (welded) section, mm.
ybare = Distance from the bottom of the bottom flange of the steel
section to the ENA of the steel beam (plus cover plate if it
exists), mm.
Properties of Steel Beam (Plus Cover Plate) Alone 2 - 73

y1 = Distance from the bottom of the bottom flange of the steel

beam section to the centroid of an element of the beam
section, mm.
∑A = Sum of the areas of all of the elements of the steel beam

section, mm2.
∑ ( Ay ) =
1 Sum of the product A times y1 for all of the elements of the
steel beam section, mm3.
∑ ( Ay ) = Sum of the product A times

1
2
y12 for all of the elements of the
∑I O = Sum of the moments of inertia of each element of the beam

section taken about the ENA of the element, mm4.
2.19.3 Properties of the Composite Section

The first step, and potentially most calculation-intensive step in the process of
determining the composite properties is to calculate the distance from the ENA
of the steel beam (plus cover plate if it exists) to the ENA of the full composite
section. This distance is designated ye in Figure 2-27.
Recall that for the calculation of transformed section properties to be used for
stress and deflection calculation, concrete in tension is ignored. But concrete is
assumed effective for both tension and compression for vibration calculations.
Because of the possibility that some of the concrete may be in tension, and
because the amount of concrete that is in tension is initially unknown (if any),
the process for calculating the distance ye is iterative. After the distance ye has
been determined, the other calculations to determine the composite properties
are relatively straightforward.
The program uses the following method to calculate the properties of the
composite section.
2 - 74 Properties of the Composite Section

Figure 2-27 Illustration of ye and z
The location of the ENA of the composite section, defined by ye (see Figure 2-
27), is calculated using the following iterative process:
a. The program assumes (guesses) that the ENA of the composite section is
within the height of the steel beam and uses the following equation to
calculate the distance ye that defines the location of the ENA for the
composite section. Note that with this assumption, all of the concrete is
above the ENA of the composite section, and thus it is all in compression
and can be considered.
ye =
∑( A
element d element )
∑A element
where,
Aelement = Equivalent area of an element in the composite section, ignoring

any area of concrete that is in tension, if appropriate, and
ignoring any concrete in the metal deck ribs when the metal deck
span is perpendicular to the beam span.
For any element from the steel section (flange, fillet, or web), the
equivalent area is taken as its own area unmodified. Any element
Properties of the Composite Section 2 - 75

from the concrete parts is adjusted to match the modulus of

elasticity by multiplying the area by Ec/Es, mm2.
delement = Distance from the ENA of the element considered to the ENA of
the steel beam alone (including cover plate, if it exists), mm.
Signs are considered for this distance. Elements located below
the ENA of the steel beam alone (including cover plate, if it
exists) have a negative distance and those above have a positive
distance.
If the ENA as calculated is within the height of the steel beam, as

assumed, the assumed location of the ENA is correct and the calculation
for ye is complete.
b. If the calculated ENA is not within the height of the steel beam, as
assumed in Step a, the assumed location of the ENA is incorrect and
calculation for ye continues.
i Using the incorrect location of the ENA calculated in Step a, the

program calculates the location of ye again using the preceding
equation for ye,.
ii If the newly calculated location of the ENA is the same as the

previously calculated location (Step i), the assumed location of the
ENA has been identified and the calculation for ye is complete.
iii If the newly calculated location of the ENA is not the same as the
previously calculated zone (Step i), the most recent assumed location
of the ENA is incorrect and another iteration is made.
iv The program repeats the iterations until the location of the ENA has
been determined.
After the location of the ENA is known, the other calculations to determine the
composite section moment of inertia are non-iterative and relatively straight-
forward. The other calculation steps are as follow.
1. Calculate the transformed section properties for full composite connection

as illustrated in Table 2-6.

Table 2-6 Transformed Section Properties for a Fully Composite Beam

Transformed
Item Area, Atr y1 Atry1 Atry12 IO
Concrete slab, beff tc* Ec tc* beff Ec tc*3
left side d + hr + tc − Atry1 Atry12
Es 2 12 Es
Concrete slab, beff tc* Ec tc* beff Ec tc*3
right side d + hr + tc − Atry1 Atry12
Es 2 12 Es
Concrete in beff hr* wr Ec beff wr Ec hr*3
hr*
metal deck ribs, d + hr − Atry1 Atry12
left side S r Es 2 12 Sr Es
Concrete in beff hr* wr Ec beff wr Ec hr*3
hr*
metal deck ribs, d + hr − Atry1 Atry12
right side S r Es 2 12 Sr Es
Steel beam plus
cover plate Abare ybare Atry1 Atry12 Ibare
Sums ΣA tr Σ (A y ) Σ (A y
tr 1 tr 1
2
) ΣI O
When reviewing this table, note the following:
a. If the deck spans perpendicular to the beam span, the concrete in the
metal deck ribs is ignored. If the deck spans parallel to the beam span,
the concrete in the metal deck ribs is considered.
b. The cover plate may or may not be present.
c. The concrete slab and metal deck may not exist on one side of the
beam or the other.
d. The top of the concrete slab may be at a different elevation on the two
sides of the beam.
e. The appropriate modulus of elasticity of concrete, Ec, should be used.
For deflection, the Ec is reduced by a factor of creep; for vibration, the
Ec is increased by an enhanced factor; and for stress based calculation,
the user specified value is used.
f. Concrete is considered effective for compression and considered
ineffective for tension, while Itr is calculated for deflection and stress
calculations. While Itr is calculated for vibration, concrete is
considered effective for both compression and tension.

Following is a list of the variables introduced in Table 2-6 that have not been
mentioned previously in this section.
Atr = Equivalent area of an element of the composite steel beam section,

mm2.
hr* = Height of the metal deck ribs above the ENA used for calculating the
transformed section properties, mm. Note that this could be different
on the left and right sides of the beam.
If the deck ribs are oriented perpendicular to the beam span, hr* = 0.
If the deck ribs are oriented parallel to the beam span, one of the
following four items applies:
1. If concrete is not needed to be ignored in tension, for example for

calculation of Itr for vibration, hr* is independent of the location of
the ENA. In that case, it is taken as the full depth of the rib, hr* =
hr.
2. If the ENA is below the metal deck, hr* = hr.
3. If the ENA is within the metal deck, hr* equals the height of the
metal deck above the ENA.
4. If the ENA is above the metal deck, hr* = 0.
tc* = Thickness of the concrete slab above the metal deck (or solid slab) that
lies above the ENA that is used for calculating the transformed section
properties, mm. Note that this could be different on the left and right
sides of the beam. One of the following four items applies:
1. If concrete is not needed to be ignored in tension, for example for

calculation of Itr for vibration, tc* is independent of the location of
the ENA. In that case, it is taken as the full thickness of the slab,
tc* = tc.
2. If the ENA is below the top of the metal deck (bottom of the
concrete slab), tc* = tc.

3. If the ENA is within the concrete slab, tc* equals the height of the
concrete slab above the ENA.
4. If the ENA is above the concrete slab, tc* = 0
Abare = Area of the steel beam (plus cover plate), mm2. This area does not
include the concrete area.
Ec = Modulus of elasticity of concrete slab, MPa. Note that this could be
different on the left and right sides of the beam. Also note that this it
may be different for stress calculations and deflection calculations.
Es = Modulus of elasticity of steel, MPa.
Sr = Center-to-center spacing of metal deck ribs, mm. Note that this may be
different on the left and right sides of the beam.
beff = Effective width of the concrete flange of the composite beam, mm.
This width is code dependent. Note that this width may be different on
the left and right sides of the beam. See the section entitled Effective
Width of the Concrete Slab for additional information.
d = Depth of the steel beam from the outside face of the top flange to the
outside face of bottom flange, mm.
hr = Height of the metal deck rib, mm. Note that this may be different on
the left and right sides of the beam.
tc = Thickness of the concrete slab, mm. If there is metal deck, this is the
thickness of the concrete slab above the metal deck. Note that this may
be different on the left and right sides of the beam.
wr = Average width of a metal deck rib, mm. Note that this may be different
on the left and right sides of the beam.
ybare = Distance from the bottom of the bottom flange of the steel beam to the
ENA of the steel beam (plus cover plate, if it exists) alone, mm.
ye = The distance from the ENA of the steel beam (plus cover plate, if it
exists) alone to the ENA of the fully composite beam, mm.
z = Distance from the ENA of the steel beam (plus cover plate, if it exists)
alone to the top of the concrete slab, mm. Note that this distance may

ΣA tr = Sum of the areas of all of the elements of the composite steel

beam section, mm2.
Σ(A y )
tr 1 = Sum of the product Atr times y1 for all of the elements of the
composite steel beam section, mm3.
Σ(A y tr 1
2
) = Sum of the product Atr times y12 for all of the elements of the
The neutral axis of the transformed composite section is located a distance y

from the bottom of the bottom flange of the steel beam section (not bottom of
cover plate). The distance y can be determined from either of the following
equations. They both give the same result.
y=
∑(A y )
tr 1
∑A tr
y = ybare + ye
The distance y is illustrated in Figure 2-28.
Figure 2- 28 Illustration of y

The transformed section moment of inertia about the ENA of the composite
beam, Itr, is calculated using the following equation.
I tr= ∑A 2
tr y1 + ∑ I − (∑ A ) y
O tr
2
Figure 2-28 illustrates the axis about which Itr is taken.
2.20 Effective Section Properties for Partial Composite

Connection
This section describes how the program calculates the effective section
properties, namely effective moment of inertia, effective section modulus, and
location of the elastic neutral axis, ENA, where there is partial composite
connection. Note that because composite action is considered by the program
for positive bending only, the description in this section applies to positive
bending only.
When there is partial composite connection, the number of shear connectors

provided controls the amount of horizontal shear that can be transferred
between the steel beam and the concrete slab. For beams with partial composite
connection, the program checks for deflection assuming an elastic distribution
of stress, where the strain in both the concrete and the steel is proportional to
the distance from the ENA of the transformed section.
2.20.1 Effective Moment of Inertia

The effective moment of inertia of the composite section for positive bending
in a partially composite beam is calculated using the following equation:
I bare + PCC ( I tr − I bare )

I eff =
The preceding equation is the same as 1989 AISC-ASD Specification Equation

I4-4.
where,
PCC = Percent composite connection, unitless. The percentage varies between

25% and 100% inclusive.
Effective Moment of Inertia 2 - 81

Ibare = Moment of inertia of the steel beam alone plus cover plate, if it exists, mm4.
Ieff = Effective moment of inertia of a partially composite beam, mm4.
Itr = Transformed section moment of inertia about ENA of the composite
beam calculated as described in the section entitled Transformed
Section Moment of Inertia, mm4.
2.20.2 Effective Section Modulus Referred to the Extreme

Tension Fiber
The effective section modulus, Seff, referred to the extreme tension fiber in a
partially composite beam is calculated using the following equation:
S bare + PCC ( Str − S bare )

Seff =
This equation is the same as 1989 AISC-ASD Specification Equation I2-1.
where,
PCC = Percent composite connection, unitless. The percentage varies

between 25% and 100% inclusive.
Sbare = Section modulus of the steel beam alone (plus cover plate, if it exists)
referred to the extreme tension fiber, mm3.
Seff = Effective section modulus of a partially composite beam referred to
the extreme tension fiber of the steel beam section (including cover
plate, if it exists), mm3.
Str = Section modulus for the fully (100%) composite transformed section
referred to the extreme tension fiber of the steel section (including
cover plate, if it exists), mm3. Referring to Figure 2-29, Str is
calculated using the following equation. Note that the section moduli
Str and Seff are referenced to the bottom of the cover plate, if it exists.
Otherwise they are referenced to the bottom of the beam bottom
flange
I tr
Str =
(y +t ) cp
2 - 82 Effective Section Modulus Referred to the Extreme Tension Fiber

where,
Itr = Transformed section moment of inertia about the ENA of the composite
beam, calculated as described in the section entitled Transformed Section
Moment of Inertia, mm4.
y = Distance from the bottom of the beam bottom flange to the ENA of the
composite beam calculated as described in the section entitled
Transformed Section Moment of Inertia, mm.
Figure 2-29 Figure Demonstrating Variables for Calculation Str in Equation 3
2.20.3 Location of the ENA for Partial Composite Connection

This section describes how the location of the ENA of the partially composite
section is calculated.
Refer to Figure 2-30. In the figure, the distance from the bottom of the beam
bottom flange to the ENA of the partially composite beam, yeff, is given by the
following equation:
I eff
y=
eff − tcp
Seff
where,
Location of the ENA for Partial Composite Connection 2 - 83

yeff = The distance from the bottom of the beam bottom flange to the ENA of
the partially composite beam. Note that the distance yeff is measured
from the bottom of the beam bottom flange even when there is a cover
plate, mm.
Ieff = Effective moment of inertia of a partially composite beam calculated

using the equation in the subsection Effective Moment of Inertia, mm4.
Seff = Effective section modulus of a partially composite beam referred to the
extreme tension fiber of the steel beam section (including cover plate,
if it exists), mm3.
tcp = Thickness of the cover plate if it exists, mm.
Figure 2-30 Composite Beam Section
2 - 84 Location of the ENA for Partial Composite Connection


Bending
This section describes how the positive moment capacity of the composite
beam using plastic stress distribution is calculated. It normally covers the
plastic moment capacity for full composite connection. The minor modification
that is needed for partial composite connection also is discussed.
Figure 2-31 illustrates a generic plastic stress distribution for positive bending.
α1 f c′
CConc
a
CSteel
Fy
Plastic neutral axis (PNA)
TSteel
Fy
Beam Section Beam Elevation Plastic Stress

Distribution
Figure 2-31 Generic Plastic Stress Distribution for Positive Bending
Note that the concrete is stressed to 0.85fcd and the steel is stressed to Fyd. The
distance yp is measured from the bottom of the beam bottom flange (not cover
plate) to the plastic neutral axis (PNA). The distance zp is measured from the
top of the concrete slab to the PNA; it can be different on the two sides of the
beam as described later. The illustrated plastic stress distribution is the basic
distribution of stress used by the program when considering a plastic stress
distribution for positive bending. Note that if the metal deck ribs are parallel to
the beam, the concrete in the ribs is also considered.
Figure 2-32 illustrates how the program idealizes a steel beam for calculating
the plastic stress distribution.
Location of the ENA for Partial Composite Connection 2 - 85

Figure 2-32 Idealization of a Rolled Section and a User-Defined Section Used for
Calculating the Plastic Stress Distribution
2 - 86 Location of the ENA for Partial Composite Connection

Two different cases are shown, one for a rolled section and the other for a user
defined section. The idealization for the rolled section considers the fillets
whereas the idealization for the user defined section assumes there are no fillets
because none are specified in the section definition. Although not shown in
those figures, the deck type and orientation may be different on the left and
right sides of the beam as shown in Figure 2-3 of the section entitled Effective
Width of the Concrete Slab in this chapter.
For a rolled steel section, the fillets are idealized as a rectangular block of steel.
The depth of this rectangular block, kdepth, is:
kdepth = k−tf.
The width of this rectangular block, kwidth, is:
kwidth = [As− 2bftf – (d− 2k)tw] / 2kdepth.
The basic steps in computing the positive plastic moment capacity are as
follows:
 Determine the location of the PNA using the subsection Location of the
Plastic Neutral Axis.
 Calculate the plastic moment capacity of the composite section using the
equation given in subsection Plastic Moment Capacity for Positive Bending
together with the appropriate equation depending on the location of the PNA.
Note that for user defined sections, the terms related to the top and bottom
fillets are ignored.
2.21.1 Location of the Plastic Neutral Axis

The program determines the location of the PNA by comparing the maximum
possible compressive force that can be developed in the concrete, MPFconc,
with the maximum possible tensile force that can be developed in the steel
section (including the cover plate, if applicable), MPFsteel.
The maximum concrete force, MPFconc, is calculated as follows if there is no

metal deck, or if the metal deck ribs are oriented perpendicular to the beam
span.
Location of the Plastic Neutral Axis 2 - 87

=MPFconc ( 0.85 f cd beff tc ) + ( 0.85 f cd c beff tc ) 

 left right 
If the deck ribs are oriented parallel to the beam span, MPFconc is calculated as
follows
  wr hr     wr hr   
=MPFconc  0.85 f cd beff tc +   +  0.85 f cd beff tc +  .
  S r  left   S r   right 

Note that the maximum concrete force has contributions from the left and right
sides of the beam that are treated separately and may be different.
The maximum steel force, MPFsteel, is calculated as follows if the beam is a

rolled section:
MPF
= steel (A F s yd + bcp tcp Fydcp ) .
MPFsteel, is calculated as follows if the beam is a user defined section
MPFsteel
= (b t
f -top f -top Fydf -top + tw h + b f -bot t f -bot Fydf -bot + bcp tcp Fydcp ) .
When computing the location of the PNA, it is important to remember that the
concrete is assumed to take no tension. Also, the concrete in the metal deck
ribs is considered effective in compression only if the metal deck ribs are
oriented parallel to the beam span.
The maximum concrete and steel forces are compared to determine whether the
PNA is within the concrete slab or the steel section. If MPFcon c>MPFsteel, the
PNA is within the concrete slab. If MPFsteel >MPFconc, the PNA is within the
steel section. If MPFsteel = MPFconc, the PNA is at the top of the steel beam.
If the PNA is within the slab, the fact that the concrete slab can be different on
each side of the beam complicates locating the PNA. If the PNA is within the
steel section, there are several general locations for it. After the general
locations have been identified, it is a straightforward process to determine the
location of the PNA. The general locations are:
 Within the beam top flange.

 Within the beam top fillet (applies to rolled shapes from the program's
section database only).
2 - 88 Location of the Plastic Neutral Axis

 Within the beam web.

 Within the beam bottom fillet (applies to rolled shapes from the program's
 Within the beam bottom flange.
 Within the cover plate (if one is specified).
Note it is very unlikely that the PNA would be below the beam web but there is
nothing in the program to prevent it. This condition would require a very large
beam bottom flange and/or cover plate. Each of the PNA locations in the steel
section is described following the description of the PNA in the concrete slab.
2.21.1.1 PNA in the Concrete Slab Above the Steel Beam

The program considers the condition where the slab on the left and right sides
of the beam are different. When the program determines that the PNA is above
the top of the steel section, that is, when MPFconc >MPFsteel, it puts the
following four items in order, from highest elevation to lowest:
 Top of concrete slab on the left side of the beam.

 Top of concrete slab on the right side of the beam.
 Top of metal deck on the left side of the beam.
 Top of metal deck on the right side of the beam.
Next the program adds the compressive forces of those four items, starting with
the item at the highest elevation and proceeding downward. As each item is
added into the sum, the sum of compressive forces is compared with the
maximum tension value, which is the sum of MPFsteel. As soon as the sum of
forces exceeds MPFsteel, the program recognizes that the last location
considered is below the PNA, and the second to last location considered is
above the PNA. Using this information, the program can solve directly for the
location of the PNA.
Figures 2-33 and 2-34 show the internal forces for a rolled steel section and a
user defined steel section, respectively, for the condition where the PNA is in
the concrete slab above the metal deck.

Figure 2-33 Rolled Steel Section

With PNA in the Concrete Slab Above the Metal Deck, Positive Bending
Figure 2-34 User Defined Steel Section

With PNA in the Concrete Slab Above the Metal Deck, Positive Bending
user defined steel section, respectively, for the condition where the PNA is
within the height, hr, of the metal deck ribs.

p CC 1
z
CC 2
TF T
Plastic neutral axis (PNA)

p
y
TWeb
TF B
TC P
Beam Section Beam Elevation Beam Internal Forces

With PNA Within the Height, hr, of the Metal Deck, Positive Bending

With PNA Within the Height, hr, of the Metal Deck, Positive Bending
Note that in Figures 2-33 through 2-36 the concrete compression forces (CC1
and CC2) may have different magnitudes and locations (elevations) for the left
and right sides of the beam.

Also note that the program ignores the rebar area for computing composite
moment capacities.
2.21.1.2 PNA within the Beam Top Flange

within the beam top flange.
The term y2, which is the distance from the top of the steel beam to the PNA, is
shown in these figures and is defined by the following equation
MPFsteel − MPFconc
y2 = .
2b f -top Fydf -top

With PNA Within the Beam Top Flange, Positive Bending


With PNA Within the Beam Top Flange, Positive Bending
2.21.1.3 PNA within the Beam Top Fillet

The PNA lies within the beam top fillet only if the beam section is a rolled
section. Figure 2-39 shows the internal forces for this condition.
Figure 2-39 Rolled Section With PNA Within the Beam Top Fillet, Positive Bending

The term y3, which is the distance from the bottom side of the beam top flange
to the PNA, is shown in Figure 2-39 and is defined by the following equation.
MPFsteel − MPFconc − 2b f -top t f -top Fydf -top

y3 = .
2kwidth Fydw
2.21.1.4 PNA within the Beam Web

within the beam web. The term y4 for a rolled steel beam is the distance from
the web toe of the top fillet to the PNA and for a user defined beam y4 is the
distance from the bottom side of the beam top flange to the PNA, as shown in
Figures 2-40 and 2-41, and is defined by the following equation.
MPFsteel − MPFconc − 2b f -top t f -top Fydf -top 2kwidth kdepth Fydw

=y4 −
2tw Fydw 2tw Fydw
The last term applies only to rolled steel beams; it reduces to zero for user
defined beams.
Figure 2-40 Rolled Steel Section With PNA Within the Beam Web, Positive Bending


With PNA Within the Beam Web, Positive Bending
2.21.1.5 PNA within the Beam Bottom Fillet

The PNA is within the beam bottom fillet only if the beam section is a rolled
section. Figure 2-42 shows the internal forces for this condition.

With PNA Within the Beam Bottom Fillet, Positive Bending

The term y5, which is the distance from the top side of the beam bottom fillet to
the PNA, is shown in Figure 2-42 and is defined by the following equation.
MPFsteel − MPFconc − 2b f -top t f -top Fydf -top 2kwidth kdepth Fydw 2htw Fydw
=y5 − −
2k width Fydw 2k width Fydw 2k width Fydw
Note that it is unlikely that the PNA will be this low. It requires a very large
beam bottom flange and/or cover plate.
2.21.1.6 PNA within the Beam Bottom Flange

user defined steel section, respectively, for the condition where the PNA lies
within the beam bottom flange. The term y6, which is the distance from the top
of the beam bottom flange to the PNA, is shown in Figures 2-43 and 2-44 and
is defined by the following equation.
MPFsteel − MPFconc − 2b f -top t f -top Fydf -top 4k width kdepth Fydw 2htw Fydw
=y6 − −
2b f -bot Fydf -bot 2b f -bot Fydf -bot 2b f -bot Fydf -bot
Note that it is unlikely that the PNA will be this low. It requires a very large
beam bottom flange and/or cover plate.
Figure 2-43 Rolled Steel Section with PNA Within the Beam Bottom Flange, Positive Bending


with PNA Within the Beam Bottom Flange, Positive Bending
2.21.1.7 PNA within the Cover Plate

user defined steel section, respectively, for the condition where the PNA lies
within the cover plate.
Figure 2-45 Rolled Steel Section With PNA Within the Cover Plate, Positive Bending

The term y7, which is the distance from the top of the cover plate to the PNA, is
shown in Figures 2-45 and 2-46 and is defined by the following equation.
MPFsteel − MPFconc − 2b f -top t f -top Fydf -top 4kwidth kdepth Fydw 2htw Fydw 2b f -top t f -top Fydf -top
=y7 − − −
2bcp Fydcp 2bcp Fydcp 2bcp Fydcp 2bcp Fydcp
Figure 2-46 User Defined Steel Section with PNA Within the Cover Plate,
Positive Bending
Note that it is unlikely that the PNA will be this low. It requires an extremely
large cover plate. In the event the PNA was in the cover plate, the distance yp
would become negative.
2.21.1.8 Calculating the PNA Location

To calculate the location of the PNA for positive bending, the program starts
by comparing the value of MPFconc to that of MPFsteel to determine whether the
PNA is in the steel section or in the concrete slab above the steel section. As
described in an earlier subsection of this section, if MPFconc >MPFsteel, the PNA
is within the concrete slab. If MPFsteel >MPFconc, the PNA is within the steel
section. If MPFsteel = MPFconc, the PNA is at the top of the steel beam.
If the PNA is in the concrete slab above the steel section, the procedure
described in the previous subsection of this section entitled PNA in the
Concrete Slab Above the Steel Beam is followed.

If the PNA is within the steel section, the program assumes that the PNA
occurs in the top flange of the beam. The distance y2 is calculated as described
previously for the PNA within the beam top flange. The calculated distance y2
is then checked to see if it actually is within the beam top flange. If it is, the
location of the PNA has been identified.
If the calculated distance y2 is not within the beam top flange, the program
continues by assuming that the PNA occurs in the beam top fillet. (Note that if
the beam is a user defined beam, there is no top fillet and the program skips
directly to assuming that the PNA is in the beam web.) The distance y3 is
calculated as described previously for PNA within the beam top fillet. The
calculated distance y3 is then checked to see if it actually is within the beam top
fillet. If it is, the location of the PNA has been identified.
If the calculated distance y3 is not within the beam top fillet, the program
continues by assuming that the PNA occurs in the beam web. The distance y4 is
calculated as described previously for the PNA within the beam top fillet. The
calculated distance y4 is then checked to see if it actually is within the beam
web. If it is, the location of the PNA has been identified.
In any practical case, the PNA is not expected to be below the beam web.
However, in the event the PNA has not yet been located, the program continues
down the beam section through the bottom fillet, the bottom flange, and finally
the cover plate until the location of the PNA has been identified.
2.21.2 Plastic Moment Capacity for Positive Bending

The plastic moment capacity for positive bending in a composite section is
calculated from the following equation:
10 10
=Mn
=Piece 1=Piece 1
∑ Tpiece xPNA-piece + ∑ Cpiece xPNA-piece
where:
Cpiece = Compression force in a piece of the composite beam, N.
Mn = Plastic moment capacity for positive bending, N-mm.
Tpiece = Tension force in a piece of the composite beam, N.
Plastic Moment Capacity for Positive Bending 2 - 99

xPNA-piece = Distance from centroid of tension or compression force in a

piece of a composite beam to the PNA, mm.
In the preceding equation, the values used for Tpiece, Cpiece and xPNA-piece can
assume the tension and compression values of ten constituent pieces of the
composite section, and their respective centroidal distances from the PNA. The
constituents parts are concrete above the metal deck on the left and right,
concrete within the metal deck as ribs at the left and right, the beam top flange,
the beam top fillet (of rolled shapes only), the beam web, the beam bottom
fillet (of rolled shapes only), the beam bottom flange, and the cover plate. Note
that the program ignores reinforcing bars in concrete. The corresponding
compression forces are CC1, CC2, CFT, CKT, CWeb, CKB, CFB, and Ccp. The
corresponding tensile forces are TC1, TC2, TFT, TKT, TWeb, TKB, TFB, and Tcp.
(Please refer to Figures 2-33 to 2-46 for graphical representations of these
forces.) Note that based on the assumption that concrete cannot take tension,
TC1anTC2 are always zero. For any piece from the steel shape, if C for a piece
exists, T for that piece is zero unless the PNA falls within that piece.
Depending on the location of the PNA, the compression and tension forces and
their corresponding xPNA for all constituent pieces of the composite section are
given as follows:
 Concrete above the metal deck on the left side of the beam: The concrete
can carry a compression force only; tension is not allowed in the concrete.
The following equations are used for the compression force in the concrete
above the metal deck.
CC1 = 0.85 f cd beff z p , if the PNA is above the metal deck,

CC1 = 0.85 f cd beff tc , if thePNA is below the solid slab.
The following equations are used for the distance from the center of the force
in the concrete above the metal deck to the PNA.
zp
xPNA = , if the PNA is above the metal deck,
2
tc
xPNA= z p − , if the PNA is below the solid slab.
2
2 - 100 Plastic Moment Capacity for Positive Bending

For partial composite connection, the PNA is always in the depth of the steel
shape. In that case, the CC1 is determined based on the depth of the effective
slab thickness as described in the subsection entitled Location of Plastic
Neutral Axis of the section Composite Moment Capacities of a Partially
Composite Beam with a Plastic Stress Distribution. If the bottom of the
effective concrete in the concrete slab is above the metal deck, CC1 is based
on the effective depth a1, else it is based on total thickness.
CC1 0.85 f cd beff a1 , if the effective line is above the metal deck, a1 < tc
CC1 = 0.85 f cd beff tc , if the effective line is below the solid slab.
For partial composite connection, the following equations are used for the
distance from the center of the force in the concrete slab above the metal
deck to the PNA.
a
xPNA =z p − 1 , if effective line is above the metal deck, a1 < tc ,
2
t
xPNA= z p − c , if effective line is below the solid slab.
2
Note that the terms zp, tc, and hr in the preceding equations must be for the
left side of the beam.
 Concrete above the metal deck on the right side of the beam: The
concrete can carry a compression force only; tension is not allowed in the
concrete. The following equations are used for the compression force in the
concrete above the metal deck. Note that these equations are applied to each
side of the beam separately.
CC1 = 0.85 f cd beff z p , if the PNA is above the metal deck,

CC1 = 0.85 f cd beff tc , if thePNA is below the solid slab.
in the concrete above the metal deck to the PNA.
zp
xPNA = , if the PNA is above the metal deck,
2
tc
xPNA= z p − , if the PNA is below the solid slab.
2

shape. In that case, CC1 is determined based on the depth of the effective slab
thickness as described in the subsection entitled Location of Plastic Neutral
Axis of the section Composite Moment Capacities of a Partially Composite
Beam with a Plastic Stress Distribution. If the bottom of the effective
concrete in the concrete slab is above the metal deck, CC1 is based on the
effective depth a1; else it is based on total thickness.
CC1 0.85 f cd beff a1 , if the effective line is above the metal deck, a1 < tc ,
CC1 = 0.85 f cd beff tc , if the effective line is below the solid slab.
distance from the center of the force in the concrete slab above the metal
deck to the PNA.
a
xPNA =z p − 1 , if effective line is above the metal deck, a1 < tc ,
2
t
xPNA= z p − c , if effective line is below the solid slab.
2
right side of the beam.
 Concrete within height of metal deck on the left side of the beam: The
concrete. The following two equations are used for the compression force in
the concrete within the metal deck. Also note that these equations apply only
if the span of the metal deck ribs is oriented parallel to the beam span. If the
metal deck ribs are oriented perpendicular to the beam span, there is no
compression force allowed on the concrete within the metal deck ribs.
wr ( z p − tc )
CC 2 = 0.85 f cd beff , if the PNA is within the metal deck ribs,
Sr
wr hr
CC 2 = 0.85 f cd beff , if the PNA is below the metal deck ribs.
Sr
in the concrete within the metal deck ribs to the PNA.

z p − tc
xPNA = , if the PNA is within the metal deck ribs,
2
hr
xPNA = z p − tc − , if the PNA is below the metal deck rib.
2
Axis of the section Composite Beam with a Plastic Stress Distribution. If the
bottom of the effective concrete in the concrete slab is within the metal deck,
CC2 is based on the effective depth a2; else it is based on the total rib depth.
wr a2
CC 2 = 0.85 f cd beff , if the effective line is within the metal deck rib,
S2
wr hr
CC 2 = 0.85 f cd beff , if the effective line is below the metal deck rib.
S2
distance from the center of the force in the concrete deck rib above the
effective line.
tc a2
xPNA = z p − − , if the effective line is within the metal deck ribs,
2 2
t h
xPNA = z p − c − r , if the effective line is below the metal deck rib.
2 2
left side of the beam.
 Concrete within height of metal deck on the right side of the beam: The
concrete. The following two equations are used for the compression force in
the concrete within the metal deck. Also note that these equations apply only
if the span of the metal deck ribs is oriented parallel to the beam span. If the
metal deck ribs are oriented perpendicular to the beam span, there is no
compression force allowed on the concrete within the metal deck ribs.

wr ( z p − tc )
CC 2 = 0.85 f cd beff , if the PNA is within the metal deck ribs,
Sr
wr hr
CC 2 = 0.85 f cd beff , if the PNA is below the metal deck ribs.
Sr
in the concrete within the metal deck ribs to the PNA.
z p − tc
xPNA = , if PNA is within the metal deck ribs,
2
hr
xPNA = z p − tc − , if PNA is below the metal deck rib.
2
Axis of the section Composite Beam with a Plastic Stress Distribution. If the
bottom of the effective concrete in the concrete slab is within the metal deck,
CC2 is based on the effective depth a2; else it is based on the total rib depth.
wr a2
CC 2 = 0.85 f cd beff , if the effective line is within the metal deck rib,
S2
wr hr
CC 2 = 0.85 f cd beff , if the effective line is below the metal deck rib.
S2
distance from the center of the force in the concrete deck rib above the
effective line.
tc a2
xPNA = z p − − , if the effective line is within the metal deck rib,
2 2
t h
xPNA = z p − c − r , if the effective line is below the metal deck rib.
2 2
right side of the beam.

 Beam top flange: The force in the beam top flange can be tension,
compression, or compression in the upper portion of the flange and tension in
the lower portion. The following equations are used for the tension and
compression forces in the beam top flange.
TFT = b f -top t f -top Fydt -top , if the PNA is above the top of the top flange,
=TFT b f -top ( t f -top − y2 ) Fydf -top , if the PNA is within the top flange,
TFT = 0, if the PNA is below the bottom of the top flange,
CFT = 0, if the PNA is above the top of the top flange,
CFT = b f -top y2 Fydf -top , if the PNA is within the top flange,
CFT = b f -top t f -top Fydf -top , if the PNA is below the bottom of the top flange.
The distance of tension force, TFT, in the top flange to the PNA is given by
the following equations.
t f -top
xPNA = y p − d + , if the PNA is above the top of the top flange,
2
t f -top − y2
xPNA = , if the PNA is within the top flange,
2
xPNA = 0, if the PNA is below the bottom of the top flange.
The distance of compression force, CFT, in the top flange to the PNA is given
by the following equations.
xPNA = 0, if the PNA is above the top of the top flange,
y2
xPNA = , if the PNA is within the top flange,
2
t f -top
xPNA = z p − t c −hr − , if the PNA is below the bottom of the top flange.
2
Note the terms zp, tc, and hr in the preceding equations must all be for the left
side of the beam or all for the right side of the beam. It does not matter which
side of the beam is used, but all of the terms must be consistent.
 Beam top fillet: The force in the beam top fillet can be tension, compression,
or compression in the upper portion of the fillet and tension in the lower
portion. The following equations are used for the tension and compression
forces in the beam top fillet. Note that these equations do not apply to user
defined sections.

TKT = k width kdepth Fydw , if the PNA is above the top of the top fillet,
=TKT k width ( kdepth − y3 ) Fydw , if the PNA is within the top fillet,
TFT = 0, if the PNA is below the bottom of the top fillet,
C KT = 0, if the PNA is above the top of the top fillet,
CKT = k width y3 Fydw , if the PNA is within the top fillet,
CKT = k width kdepth Fydw , if the PNA is below the bottom of the top fillet.
The distance of the tension force in the top fillet, TKT, to the PNA is given by
the following equations.
kdepth
xPNA = y p − d + t f -top + , if the PNA is above the top of the top fillet,
2
kdepth − y3
xPNA = , if the PNA is within the top fillet,
2
xPNA = 0, if the PNA is below the bottom of the top fillet.
The distance of the compression force in the top fillet, CKT, to the PNA is
given by the following equations.
xPNA = 0, if the PNA is above the top of the top fillet,

y3
xPNA = , if the PNA is with the top fillet,
2
kdepth
xPNA = z p − tc − hr − rd − t f -top , if the PNA is below the bottom of the top fillet.
2
Note the terms zp, tc, and hr in the preceding equation must all be for the left
 Beam web: The force in the beam web can be tension, compression, or
compression in the upper portion of the web and tension in the lower portion.
The following equations are used for the tension and compression forces in
the beam web.

TWeb = tw hFydw , if the PNA is above the top of the web,

T=
Web tw ( h − y4 ) Fydw , if the PNA is within the web,
TWeb = 0, if the PNA is below the bottom of the web,
CWeb = 0, if the PNA is above the top of the web,
CWeb = tw y4 Fydw , if the PNA is within the web,
CWeb = tw hFydw , if the PNA is below the bottom of the web.
The distance of the tension force in the web, TWeb, to the PNA is given by the
following equations.
h
xPNA = y p − d + t f -top + kdepth + , if the PNA is above the top of the web,
2
h − y4
xPNA = , if the PNA is within the web,
2
xPNA = 0, if the PNA is below the bottom of the web.
The distance of the compression force in the web, CWeb, to the PNA is given
xPNA = 0, if the PNA is above the top of the web,

y4
xPNA = , if the PNA is within the web,
2
h
xPNA = z p − tc − hr − rd − t f -top − kdepth − if the PNA is below the bottom of the web.
2
 Beam bottom fillet: The force in the beam bottom fillet can be tension,
compression, or compression in the upper portion of the fillet and tension in
compression forces in the beam bottom fillet. Note that these equations do
not apply to user defined sections.

TKB = k width kdepth Fydw , if the PNA is above the top of the bottom fillet,
=TKB k width ( kdepth − y5 ) Fydw , if the PNA is within the bottom fillet,
TKB = 0, if the PNA is below the bottom fillet,
CKB = 0, if the PNA is above the top of the bottom fillet,
CKB = k width y5 Fydw , if the PNA is within the bottom fillet,
CKB = k width kdepth Fydw , if the PNA is below the bottom fillet.
The distance of the tension force, TKB, to the PNA is given by the following
equations.
3kdepth
xPNA = y p − d + t f -top + + h, if the PNA is above the top of the bottom fillet,
2
kdepth − y5
xPNA = , if the PNA is within the bottom fillet,
2
xPNA = 0, if the PNA is below the bottom fillet.
The distance of the compression force, CKB, to the PNA is given by the
following equations.
xPNA = 0, if the PNA is above the top of the bottom fillet,

y5
xPNA = , if the PNA is within the bottom fillet,
2
3kdepth
x PNA = z p − tc − hr − rd − t f -top − − h, if the PNA is below the bottom fillet.
2
 Beam bottom flange: The force in the beam bottom flange can be tension,
compression, or compression in the upper portion of the flange and tension in
compression forces in the beam bottom flange.

TFB = b f -bot t f -bot Fydf -bot , if the PNA is above the top of the bottom flange,
=TFB b f -bot ( t f -bot − y6 ) Fydf -bot , if the PNA is within the bottom flange,
TFB = 0, if the PNA is below the bottom flange,
CFB = 0, if the PNA is above the top of the bottom flange,
CFB = b f -bot y6 Fydf -bot , if the PNA is within the bottom flange,
CFB = b f -bot t f -bot Fydf -bot , if the PNA is below the bottom flange.
The distance of the tension force in the bottom fillet, TFB, to the PNA is given
t f -bot
xPNA = y p − d + t f -top + 2kdepth + h + , if the PNA is above the top of the bottom flange,
2
t f -bot − y6
xPNA = , if the PNA is within the bottom flange,
2
xPNA = 0, if the PNA is below the bottom of the bottom flange.
The distance of the compression force in the bottom fillet, CFB, to the PNA is
given by the following equations.
xPNA = 0, if the PNA is above the top of the bottom flange,

y6
xPNA = , if the PNA is within the bottom flange,
2
t f -bot
xPNA = z p − tc − hr − rd − t f − top 2kdepth − h − , if the PNA is below the bottom flange.
2
 Cover plate: The force in the cover plate can be tension, or compression in
the upper portion of the cover plate and tension in the lower portion.The
following equations are used for the tension and compression forces in the
cover plate.
TCP = bcp tcp Fydcp , if the PNA is above the top of the cover plate,
TCP bcp ( tcp − y7 ) Fydcp ,

= if the PNA is within the cover plate,
CCP = 0, if the PNA is above the top of the cover plate,
CCP = bcp y7 Fycp , if the PNA is within the cover plate.

The distance of the tension force in the cover plate, TCP, to the PNA is given
by the following equations
tcp
xPNA = y p − d + t f -top + 2kdepth + h + t f -bot + if the PNA is above the top of the cover plate,
2
tcp − y7
xPNA = if the PNA is within the cover plate.
2
The distance of the compression force in the cover plate, CCP, to the PNA is
given by the following equations
xPNA = 0 if the PNA is above the top of the cover plate,

y7
xPNA = if the PNA is within the cover plate.
2
2.22 Composite Moment Capacity of a Partially

Composite Beam with a Plastic Stress
Distribution
This section describes how the positive moment capacity of the composite
beam using a plastic stress distribution is calculated for partial composite
connection.
2.22.1 Location of the Plastic Neutral Axis

The location of the PNA for partial composite connection with a plastic stress
distribution is calculated using the method described in the subsection Location
of the Plastic Neutral Axis of the section entitled Composite Plastic Moment
Capacity for Positive Bending in this chapter, with the modifications described
here.
The program determines the location of the PNA by comparing the maximum
possible compressive force that can be developed in the concrete, MPFconc,
with the maximum possible tensile force that can be developed in the steel
section (including the cover plate, if applicable), MPFsteel.

The maximum concrete force, MPFconc, is calculated as follows if there is no

metal deck, or if the metal deck ribs are oriented perpendicular to the beam
span.
MPFconc =( 0.85 f cd beff tc ) + ( 0.85 f cd beff tc )  ≤ pMPFsteel

 left right 
If the deck ribs are oriented parallel to the beam span, MPFconc is calculated as
follows.
  wr hr     wr hr   
MPFconc = 0.85 f cd beff tc +   +  0.85 f cd beff tc +    ≤ pMPFsteel
  Sr  left   S r   right 

Note that the maximum concrete force has contributions from the left and right
sides of the beam that are treated separately and may be different.
The maximum steel force, MPFsteel, is calculated as follows if the beam is a

rolled section:
MPF
= steel (A F s yd + bcp tcp Fydcp )
MPFsteel, is calculated as follows if the beam is a user defined section.
MPFsteel
= (b t
f -top f -top Fydf -top + tw h + b f -bot t f -bot Fydf -bot + bcp tcp Fydcp )
Note that for a partial composite case, the expressions for MPFsteel remain the
same. The expressions of MPFconc have an upper limit based on steel’s axial
capacity. Here p is the partial composite connection (PCC), which theoretically
ranges from 0 to 1.
When computing the location of the PNA, it important to remember that the
concrete is assumed to take no tension. Also, the concrete in the metal deck
ribs is considered effective in compression only if the metal deck ribs are
oriented parallel to the beam span.
The maximum concrete and steel forces are compared to determine whether the
PNA is within the concrete slab or the steel section. Since MPFsteel≥MPFconc,
the PNA is within the steel section.
Since the PNA is within the steel section, there are several general locations for
it. After the general locations have been identified, it is a straightforward

process to determine the location of the PNA. The general locations are as
follows:
 Within the beam top flange.
 Within the beam top fillet (applies to rolled shapes from the program's
 Within the beam web.
 Within the beam bottom fillet (applies to rolled shapes from the program's
 Within the beam bottom flange.
 Within the cover plate (if one is specified).
Note it is very unlikely that the PNA would be below the beam web but there is
nothing in the program to prevent it. This condition would require a very large
beam bottom flange and/or cover plate. Each of the PNA locations in the steel
section is described following the description of the PNA in the concrete slab.
With the known values of MPFsteel and MPFconc, where MPFconc≤p(MPFsteel),

the program uses the subsections of the section Location of the Plastic Neutral
Axis to determine the exact location of the PNA by calculating y2,y3, y4, y5, y6,
and y7.
Then, the program assumes that the PNA occurs in the top flange of the beam.
The distance y2 is calculated as described previously for PNA within the beam
top flange. The calculated distance y2 is then checked to see if it actually is
within the beam top flange. If it is, the location of the PNA has been identified.
If the calculated distance y2 is not within the beam top flange, the program
continues by assuming that the PNA occurs in the beam top fillet. (Note that if
the beam is a user-defined beam, there is no top fillet and the program skips
directly to assuming that the PNA is in the beam web.) The distance y3 is
calculated as described previously for PNA within the beam top fillet. The
calculated distance y3 is then checked to see if it actually is within the beam top
fillet. If it is, the location of the PNA has been identified.

If the calculated distance y3 is not within the beam top fillet, the program
continues by assuming that the PNA occurs in the beam web. The distance y4 is
calculated as described previously for the PNA within the beam top fillet. The
calculated distance y4 is then checked to see if it actually is within the beam
web. If it is, the location of the PNA has been identified.
In any practical case, the PNA is not expected to be below the beam web.
However, in the event the PNA has not yet been located, the program continues
down the beam section through the bottom fillet, the bottom flange and finally
the cover plate until the location of the PNA has been identified.
2.22.2 Determining the Effective Portion of the Concrete Slab

For partial composite connection, when different composite decks and or spans
are specified on each side of the beam, the effective portion of the slab is
determined as follows: The program first puts the following six items in order,
from highest elevation to lowest, to determine how much of the concrete slab is
effective for partial composite connection:
 Top of concrete slab on the left side of the beam.
 Top of concrete slab on the right side of the beam.
 Top of metal on the left side of the beam.
 Top of metal on the right side of the beam.
 Bottom of metal on the left side of the beam.
 Bottom of the metal on the right side of the beam.
Next the program sums the compressive forces of these eight items, starting
with the item at the highest elevation and proceeding downward. As each item
is added into the sum, the sum of the compressive forces is compared with the
p(MPFsteel) as determined in the previous subsection.
As soon as the sum of forces exceeds p(MPFsteel), the program recognizes that
the last location considered is below the bottom of the effective concrete, and
the second to last location considered is above the bottom of the effective
concrete. Using this information, the program can solve directly for the
location of the bottom of the effective concrete.
Determining the Effective Portion of the Concrete Slab 2 - 113

Figure 2-47 shows the internal concrete forces for a rolled steel section (a user
defined steel section is similar) for the condition where the bottom of the
effective concrete is in the concrete slab above the metal deck. In this case, a1
represents the distance from the top of the concrete slab to the bottom of the
effective concrete. Note that the distance a1 can be different on the left and
right sides of the beam.
Figure 2-47: Rolled Steel Section With Bottom of Effective Concrete in

Concrete Slab Above Metal Deck, Positive Bending With Partial Composite Connection
Figure 2-48 shows the internal concrete forces for a rolled steel section (a user
defined steel section is similar) for the condition where the bottom of the
effective concrete is within the height, hr, of the metal deck ribs. In this case, a2
represents the distance from the top of the metal deck ribs to the bottom of the
effective concrete. Note that the distance a2 can be different on the left and
The program obtains the distances a1 and/or a2 using an iterative solution

technique.
If the bottom of effective concrete is in the concrete above the metal deck, a2 is
set equal to 0. If the bottom of effective concrete is within the height of the
metal deck, a1 is set equal to tc.
2 - 114 Determining the Effective Portion of the Concrete Slab

Figure 2-48: Rolled Steel Section With Bottom of Effective Concrete Within the Height, hr, of
the Metal Deck Ribs, Positive Bending With Partial Composite Connection
2.22.3 Plastic Moment Capacity for Positive Bending

The plastic moment capacity for positive bending in a composite section is
calculated from the following equation:
12 12
=Mn
=Piece 1 =
∑
Piece 1
Tpiece xPNA-piece + ∑ Cpiece xPNA-piece
All of the preceding terms have been described in the subsection Plastic
Moment Capacity for Positive Bending in the previous section entitled
Composite Plastic Moment Capacity for Positive Bending. The exception is
that the forces in the concrete slabs and concrete ribs in the metal decks, both at
the left and right sides of the beam, are expressed in terms of a1 and a2 instead
of zp and hr only. Also the corresponding xPNAs have been expressed in terms of
a1 and a2. All of these exceptions have been described previously there.
When calculating the moment capacity, concrete or reinforcing steel below the
bottom of the effective concrete is not considered in the calculation.
Note that the PNA for a partially composite beam always lies within the steel
beam section, not the concrete slab. Thus it is not necessary to check for the
PNA location within the concrete slab.

2.23 Positive Moment Capacity with an Elastic Stress

Distribution
To calculate the positive moment capacity with an elastic stress distribution,
the program first calculates the location of the elastic neutral axis (ENA) and
the transformed section moment of inertia. Information on how the program
calculates the location of the ENA and the transformed section moment of
inertia for full composite connection is provided in the section entitled
Transformed Section Moment of Inertia. Information on how the program
inertia for partial composite connection is provided in the section entitled
Elastic Stresses with Partial Composite Connection.
The positive moment capacity for a composite beam with an elastic stress
distribution is determined by considering five locations in the composite
section. These locations are as follows:
 The top of the concrete on the left side of the beam.
 The top of the concrete on the right side of the beam.
 The top of the top flange of the beam.
 The bottom of the bottom flange of the beam.
 The bottom of the cover plate (if any).
A moment capacity is calculated based on the allowable stress and the section
modulus at each of these five locations that are applicable to the beam
considered. The smallest moment capacity calculated is the positive moment
capacity for the beam. Figure 2-49 illustrates the allowable stress assumed for
each of those locations.

Compression E
φbcc α1 f c′ s
Ec
tc φbcc Fyr
hr
φbcs Fyf -top
Elastic neutral axis
yeff
φbcs Fyf -bot

tcp Tension φbcs Fycp
Allowable Elastic
Composite Beam
Stress at Key Points
Note: For a fully composite beam, yeff = y
Figure 2-49 Allowable Stresses for Positive Bending

at Various Key Locations of the Composite Beam Section
The following equations are used to calculate the positive moment capacity
regarding stresses at the five key locations in the beam section. Note that in
these equations, if there is full composite connection, the term y is substituted
for the term yeff.
 Es  I eff 
M n =  0.85 f cd -left  
Ec -left 
   d + hr -left + tc -left − yeff 
 Es   I eff 
M n =  0.85 f cd -right
 E   
 c -right   d + hr -right + tc -right − yeff 
I eff
M n = Fydf -top
d − yeff

I eff
M n = Fydf -bot
yeff
I eff
M n = Fydcp
yeff + tcp
The positive moment capacity of a composite beam with an elastic stress

distribution is the smallest of the moment capacities obtained from the
preceding equations that are applicable to the beam considered.
The terms Ieff, Seff, and yeff that are used in the preceding equations are
determined based on the procedure described in the section entitled Effective
Section Properties for Partial Composite Connection in this chapter.

Chapter 3
Design Process
This chapter provides a detailed description of the algorithms used by the programs
in the design/check of structures in accordance with “EN 1994-1-1:2004 —
Design of composite steel and concrete structures” (Eurocode 4-2004).
For referring to pertinent sections of the corresponding code, a unique prefix is

assigned for each code.
• Reference to the Eurocode 4-2004 code is identified with the prefix “EC4.”
3.1 Notation
Abare Area of the steel beam (plus cover plate) alone, mm2.
Ac Area of concrete within the slab effective width that is above the
elastic neutral axis (ENA) for full composite action, mm2. For
beams with metal deck ribs running perpendicular to the beam
span, only the concrete above the metal deck and above the ENA
is included. For beams with metal deck ribs running parallel to
the beam span, the concrete above the metal deck and the
concrete in the deck ribs are included if it is above the ENA. This
value may be different on the left and right sides of the beam.
Notation 1
Af Area of compression flange, mm2.
Ag Gross area of steel member, mm2.
As Area of rolled steel section, or the total area (excluding cover

plate) of a user defined steel section, mm2. Note that the total
area of a user defined steel section is found by summing the
area of the top flange, web, and bottom flange.
Asa Cross-sectional area of a steel-headed stud anchor, mm2.
Atr Area of an element of the composite steel beam section, mm2.
Av Shear area of the web equal to the overall depth d times the
web thickness tw, mm2.
B1 Moment magnifier, unitless.
Cbot Cope depth at bottom of beam, mm.
CC1 Compressive force in concrete slab above metal deck, N. If no

metal deck exists, this is the compressive force in the slab.
CC2 Compressive force in concrete that is in the metal deck ribs, N.

This force occurs only when the metal deck ribs are oriented
parallel to the steel beam, and the plastic neutral axis is below
the top of the metal deck.
CFT Compressive force in the top flange of the steel beam, N. This
force occurs only when the plastic neutral axis is below the top
of the beam.
CKT Compressive force in the top fillets of a rolled steel beam, N.

This force occurs only when the plastic neutral axis is below
the bottom of the top flange of the beam.
CR Compressive force in the slab rebar, N. This force occurs only

when the plastic neutral axis is below the rebar, and the user
has specified the rebar to be considered.
Ctop Cope depth at top of beam, mm.
3-2 Notation
Chapter 3 - Design Process
Cw Warping constant for a section, mm6.
CWeb Compressive force in the steel beam web, N. This force occurs
only when the plastic neutral axis is within the beam web.
D Damping ratio, percent critical damping inherent in the floor

system, unitless.
Ec Modulus of elasticity of concrete slab, MPa. Note that this

could be different on the left and right sides of the beam. Also
note that this is different for stress calculations and deflection
calculations.
Es Modulus of elasticity of steel, MPa.
Fu Minimum specified tensile strength of structural steel or shear

stud, MPa.
Fyk Minimum specified characteristic yield stress of structural

steel, MPa.
Fykcp Minimum specified characteristic yield stress of cover plate,

MPa.
Fykf-bot Minimum specified characteristic yield stress of steel in the

beam bottom flange, MPa.
Fykf-top Minimum specified characteristic yield stress of steel in the

beam top flange, MPa.
Fykw Minimum specified characteristic yield stress of steel in the

beam web, MPa.
G Shear modulus of elasticity of steel, MPa.
Hs Length of shear stud connector after welding, mm.
Ieff Effective moment of inertia of a partially composite beam,

mm4.
Notation 3-3
IO Moment of inertia of an element of the composite steel beam

section taken about its own center of gravity, mm4.
Is Moment of inertia of the steel beam alone plus cover plate if

applicable, mm4.
Itr Transformed section moment of inertia about the elastic

neutral axis of the composite beam, mm4.
I x, I y Moment of inertia about the x and y axes of the beam

respectively, mm4.
Iyc Moment of inertia of compression flange about the y axis, or if

there is both positive and negative bending in the beam, the
smaller moment of the two flanges, mm4.
J Torsional constant for a section, mm4.
K Effective length factor for prismatic member, unitless.
L Center-of-support to center-of-support length of the beam,

mm.
Lb Laterally unbraced length of beam; length between points that

are braced against lateral displacement of the compression
flange or braced against twist of the cross-section, mm.
LCBS Length of a composite beam segment, mm. A composite beam

segment spans between any of the following: (1) physical end of
the beam top flange; (2) another beam framing into the beam
being considered; (3) physical end of concrete slab. Figure 2-13
in the section entitled Distribution of Steel Headed Stud Anchors
on a Composite Beam in Chapter 2illustrates some typical cases
for LCBS.
Lcsc Length of channel shear connector, mm.
3-4 Notation
Ls Distance between two points used when the program is

calculating the maximum number of shear studs that can fit
between those points, mm. If the deck span is oriented parallel
to the beam span and at least one of the points is at the end of
the beam, then Ls is taken as the distance between the two
points minus 3 inches.
L1 Distance from point of maximum moment to the closest point

of zero moment or physical end of beam top flange, or
physical end of concrete slab, mm.
L2 Distance from the point of maximum moment to the nearest

point of zero moment or physical end of beam top flange, or
physical end of concrete slab measured on the other side of the
point of maximum moment from the distance L1, mm.
L3 Distance from the point load to the point of zero moment,

physical end of beam top flange, or physical end of concrete
slab measured on the appropriate side of the point load, mm. If
the point load is located on the left side of the point of
maximum moment, the distance is measured from the point
load toward the left end of the beam. If the point load is
located on the right side of the point of maximum moment, the
distance is measured toward the right end of the beam.
MEd Factored design moment, N-mm.
Mcr Elastic buckling moment, N-mm.
MEd,max Maximum positive designed moment for a beam, N-mm.
MRd Flexural design resistance, N-mm.
Mp Plastic bending moment, N-mm.
Mpt load Moment at the location of a point load, N-mm.
MPFconc Maximum possible force that can be developed in the concrete

slab, and rebar in slab, if applicable, N.
Notation 3-5
MPFsteel Maximum possible force that can be developed in the steel

section, and cover plate, if applicable, N.
NCBS The number of uniformly distributed shear connectors the

program specifies for a composite beam segment, unitless.
Neff The effective number of beams resisting the heel drop impact,
unitless.
Nr Number of shear stud connectors in one rib at a beam

intersection; not to exceed three in computations, although
more than three studs may be installed, unitless.
N1 Required number of shear connectors between the point of

maximum moment and an adjacent point of zero moment (or
end of slab), unitless.
N2 Required number of shear connectors between a point load

and a point of zero moment (or end of slab), unitless.
NR Available number of metal deck ribs between two points,

unitless.
NSmax Maximum number of shear stud connectors between two

points a distance of Ls apart, unitless.
NEd Axial load, N.
Ne Euler buckling load, N.
NRd Design compressive axial resistance, N.
Nnt Design compressive axial resistance, N.
PCC Percent composite connection, unitless. The exact formula for

this term is code dependent.
Qn Nominal strength of one shear connector (shear stud or

channel), N.
3-6 Notation
RF Reduction factor for horizontal shear resistance of shear

connectors, unitless.
RSmax Maximum number of rows of shear stud connectors that can

fit between two points a distance of Ls apart, unitless.
Sed Minimum edge distance from mid-height of a metal deck rib

to the center of a shear stud, mm. For an example see
paragraph 1b of the subsection Solid Slab or Deck Ribs
Oriented Parallel to Beam Span in the subsection entitled
Number of Shear Studs that Fit in a Composite Beam Segment
in Chapter 2. The default value is 25 mm. This can be changed
in the preferences and the overwrites.
Seff Effective section modulus of a partially composite beam

referred to the extreme tension fiber of the steel beam section
(including cover plate), mm3.
Sr Center-to-center spacing of metal deck ribs, mm.
Ss Section modulus of the steel beam alone, plus cover plate if

applicable, referred to the tension flange, mm3.
St-eff The section modulus for the partial composite section referred
to the top of the equivalent transformed section, mm3.
Stop Section modulus for the fully composite uncracked

transformed section referred to the extreme compression fiber,
mm3.
Str Section modulus for the fully composite uncracked

transformed section referred to the extreme tension fiber of the
steel beam section (including cover plate), mm3.
S x , Sy Section modulus about the x and y axes of the beam

respectively, mm3.
Sxc Section modulus about the x axis of the outside fiber of the
compression flange, mm3.
Notation 3-7
Sxt Section modulus about the x axis of the outside fiber of the
tension flange, mm3.
SRmax Maximum number of shear stud connectors that can fit in one
row across the top flange of a composite beam, unitless.
TB Tensile force in a composite rolled steel beam when the plastic

neutral axis is above the top of the beam, N.
TCP Tensile force in the cover plate, N.
TFB Tensile force in the bottom flange of a steel beam, N.
TFT Tensile force in the top flange of a steel beam, N.
TKB Tensile force in the bottom fillets of a rolled steel beam, N.
TKT Tensile force in the top fillets of a rolled steel beam, N.
TWeb Tensile force in the web of a steel beam, N.
V Shear force, N.
VEd Required shear strength, N.
Wel,min Minimum elastic section modulus, mm3
Wpl Plastic section modulus, mm3
Z Plastic section modulus of the steel beam alone plus cover

plate if applicable, mm3.
Zx, Zy Plastic section modulus about the x and y axes of the beam
respectively, mm3.
a Clear distance between transverse stiffeners, mm.
ar For a user defined section, the ratio of the web area to the
flange area, but not more than 10, unitless.
3-8 Notation
a1 Distance from the top of the concrete to the bottom of the

effective concrete for partial composite connection when the
bottom of the effective concrete is within the slab above the
metal deck (or there is a solid slab with no metal deck), mm.
a2 Distance from the top of the metal deck to the bottom of the
effective concrete for partial composite connection when the
bottom of the effective concrete is within the height of the
metal deck, mm.
a3 Distance from the top of the metal deck to the elastic neutral
axis when the elastic neutral axis is located in the slab above
the metal deck, mm.
a4 Distance from the top of concrete slab to the elastic neutral

axis when the elastic neutral axis is located in the slab above
the metal deck, mm.
a5 Distance from the bottom of the metal deck to the elastic

neutral axis when the elastic neutral axis is located within the
height of the metal deck, mm.
a6 Distance from the top of the metal deck to the elastic neutral
axis when the elastic neutral axis is located within the height
of the metal deck, mm.
b Width, mm.
bcp Width of the steel cover plate, mm.
beff Effective width of the concrete flange of the composite beam,

mm.
bf Width of the flange of a rolled steel beam, mm.
bf-bot Width of the bottom flange of a user defined steel beam, mm.
bf-top Width of top flange of a user defined steel beam, mm.
d Depth of a steel beam from the outside face of the top flange
to the outside face of the bottom flange, mm.
Notation 3-9
davg Average depth of the concrete slab, including the concrete in

the metal deck ribs, mm.
dsc Diameter of a shear stud connector, mm.
f First natural frequency of the beam in cycles per second.
f 'ck Specified characteristic compressive strength of concrete,

MPa.
g Acceleration of gravity, mm/seconds2.
h Clear distance between flanges less the fillet or corner radius

at each flange for rolled shapes and clear distance between
flanges for other shapes, mm.
hc For rolled shapes, twice the distance from the beam centroid to
the inside face of the compression flange less the fillet or
corner radius. In a user defined section, twice the distance
from the centroid of the steel beam alone, not including the
cover plate even if it exists, to the inside face of the
compression flange, mm.
hr Height of metal deck rib, mm.
k Distance from the outer face of a rolled beam flange to the

web toe of a fillet, mm.
kdepth Distance from the inner face of a rolled beam flange to the
web toe of a fillet, mm.
kwidth Width of the idealized fillet of a rolled beam section, mm.
l Controlling laterally unbraced length of a member, mm.
l22, l33 Laterally unbraced length of a member for buckling about the
local 2 and 3 axes of the beam respectively, mm.
l x, l y Laterally unbraced length of a member for buckling about the

x and y axes of the beam respectively, mm.
3 - 10 Notation
m For a user defined section, ratio of the web yield stress to the
flange yield stress, unitless.
r Governing radius of gyration, mm.
rd Distance from the top of the beam flange to the bottom of the
metal deck, mm.
r22, r33 Radius of gyration about the local 2 and 3 axes of the beam
respectively, mm.
rT Radius of gyration of a section comprising the compression

flange plus one-third of the compression web area taken about
an axis in the plane of the web, mm.
rx, ry Radius of gyration about the x and y axes of the beam

respectively, mm.
ryc Radius of gyration of the compression flange about the y axis,

mm.
sb Beam spacing, mm.
t Thickness, mm.
tc Thickness of concrete slab, mm. If there is metal deck, this is

the thickness of the concrete slab above the metal deck.
tcp Thickness of the cover plate, mm.
tf Thickness of the steel beam flange, mm.
tf-bot Thickness of the bottom flange of a user defined steel beam,

mm.
tf-top Thickness of the top flange of a user defined steel beam, mm.
tO Time to the maximum initial displacement of a single beam

resulting from a heel drop impact, seconds.
tw Thickness of the web of a user defined steel beam, mm.
Notation 3 - 11
wa Additional metal deck rib width, mm. This term is used to

specify metal deck ribs that are split over the beam. The width
wa is added to the width wr when determining the width of
deck rib available for shear studs.
wc Unit weight per volume of concrete, N/mm3.
wd Unit weight per area of metal deck, MPa.
wr Average width of the metal deck rib, mm.
x1 The assumed gap distance from the supporting beam or

column flange to the end of the beam flange, mm. The default
value for this length is 12 mm.
y Distance from the bottom of the bottom flange of the steel beam
section to the elastic neutral axis of the fully composite beam,
mm.
ybare The distance from the bottom of the bottom flange of the steel
beam to the neutral axis of the noncomposite steel beam plus
the cover plate if applicable, mm.
ye The distance from the elastic neutral axis of the bare steel
beam alone (plus cover plate, if applicable) to the elastic
neutral axis of the fully composite beam, mm.
yeff The distance from the bottom of the bottom flange of the steel
beam to the neutral axis of the partially composite beam, mm.
y1 Distance from the bottom of the bottom flange of the steel

beam section to the centroid of an element of the composite
beam section, mm.
y2 Distance from the top of the top flange of the steel beam
section to the plastic neutral axis when the plastic neutral axis
is within the beam top flange, mm.
y3 Distance from the bottom of the top flange of a rolled steel

beam section to the plastic neutral axis when the plastic
neutral axis is within the fillets, mm.
3 - 12 Notation
y4 For a rolled steel beam, the distance from the bottom of the
top fillet to the plastic neutral axis when the plastic neutral
axis is within the beam web, mm. For a user defined steel
beam, the distance from the bottom of the top flange to the
plastic neutral axis when the plastic neutral axis is within the
beam web, mm.
yp Distance from the plastic neutral axis of composite section to

the bottom of the beam bottom flange (not cover plate), mm.
z Distance from the elastic neutral axis of the steel beam (plus
cover plate, if it exists) alone to the top of the concrete slab,
mm. Note that this distance may be different on the left and
zp Distance from the plastic neutral axis of composite section to

the top of the concrete slab, mm. Note that this distance may
ΣA Sum of the areas of all of the elements of the steel beam section,
mm2.
ΣA tr
Sum of the areas of all of the elements of the composite steel
beam section, mm2.
Sum of the product Atr times y1 for all of the elements of the
Σ(A y ) tr 1
Sum of the product A times y1 for all of the elements of the

Σ(Ay ) 1
Sum of the product A times y12 for all of the elements of the
Σ(Ay 1
2
)
Sum of the product Atr times y12 for all of the elements of the
Σ(A y tr 1
2
)
ΣI O
Sum of the moments of inertia of each element of the composite
steel beam section taken about the center of gravity of the
element, mm4.
Notation 3 - 13
ΣQ n
Sum of the nominal strength of the shear connectors (shear stud
or channel) between the considered point and the point of zero
moment, N.
ΣQ n-pcc
Required nominal strength of the shear connectors (shear stud
moment for partial composite connection percentage, PCC, N.
ΣQ n-100
Required nominal strength of the shear connectors (shear stud
moment for full (100%) composite action, N.
β Unitless factor used in calculating the number of shear studs

between a point load and a point of zero moment, equal to
Str /Ss for full composite connection and Seff /Ss for partial
composite connection.
χ Reduction factor for buckling
χLT Reduction factor for lateral-torsional buckling
χw Web shear buckling contribution factor
ε Coefficient dependent on fy
Φ Value for calculating the reduction factor χ
ΦLT Value for calculating the reduction factor χLT
γM0 Partial factor for resistance of cross-sections
γM1 Partial factor for resistance of members to instability
γM2 Partial factor for resistance of cross-sections in tension to

fracture
η Factor for shear area
λ Non-dimensional slenderness
λ LT Non-dimensional slenderness for lateral-torsional buckling
3 - 14 Notation
λ LT ,0 Plateau length of the lateral-torsional buckling curves
λw Slenderness parameter
ρ Reduction factor accounting for shear forces
ψ Ratio of moments in a segment
3.2 Design Methodology

The flowchart in Figure 3-1 shows the general methodology for composite
beam design of a single beam element using the Eurocode 4-2004
specification. The numbered boxes in the flowchart correspond to the "Box"
identifiers used in the text of this chapter. The flowchart is intended to convey
the important features of the Eurocode 4-2004 design methodology. It should
not be literally construed as a flowchart for the actual computer code included
in the program.
Box 1 - Start Here

To begin, note that the flowchart is set up for a single beam. Thus the flow
process shown must be applied to each beam designed. Do not confuse the
beam that is being designed with a trial section for that beam. The beam that is
being designed is an actual element in the model. A trial section is simply a
beam section size that is checked for the beam that is being designed.
Box 2 - Design Load Combinations

The program creates default design load combinations for composite beam
design using the Eurocode 4-2004 specification. Also any userspecified design
load combinations can be interpreted and implemented. Refer to Design Load
Combinations for a description of the Eurocode 4-2004 default design load
combinations.
Box 3 - Design Check Locations

The program determines all of the design check locations for a given beam.
Also refer to Beam Unbraced Length and Design Check Locations in Chapter
2.
Design Methodology 3 - 15
Figure 3-1 Flowchart for Eurocode 4-2004 Design of a Single Beam
3 - 16 Design Methodology
Box 4 - Checking Order for Beams

If the beam is assigned an auto selection property, the checking order for the
beam must be determined. The program considers the beams in the auto select
list in the order described in the section entitled How the Program Optimizes
Design Groups in Chapter 2.
Box 5 - Trial Beam Section

The program allows the user to select the next trial beam section to be checked
for conformance with the Eurocode 4-2004 specification and any additional
user defined criteria. Refer to the section entitled How the Program Optimizes
Design Groups in Chapter 2 for a description of this selection process.
Box 6–Section Compactness Requirements

For Eurocode 4-2004 design of composite beams, the program requires that the
beam section be Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3. Class 4 sections are not designed.
The program checks to make sure the beam is not slender. Refer to Section
Compactness Requirements later in this chapter for a description of how the
program checks section class requirements.
Box 7 - Stress Distribution Used to Calculate Moment Capacity

The program determines whether to use a plastic or an elastic stress
distribution when calculating the moment resistance for Eurocode 4-2004
design. See Section Compactness Requirements later in this chapter for more
information.
Box 8 - Transformed Section Properties

The program computes the transformed section properties of the trial beam
section. If there is only positive bending in the beam, only the transformed
section properties for positive bending are calculated. Similarly, if there is only
negative bending in the beam, only the transformed section properties for
negative bending are calculated. If there is both positive and negative bending
in the beam, transformed section properties for both positive and negative
bending are calculated.
Refer to Effective Width of the Concrete Slab in Chapter 2 for a description of

how the program calculates the effective width of the concrete slab for the
composite beam. Refer to Transformed Section Moment of Inertia in Chapter 2
for a description of how the program calculates the transformed section
properties.
In Eurocode 4-2004 design, the transformed section properties are used for
calculating deflection, and they are used when the moment resistance is
determined based on an elastic stress distribution; that is, when the web is
noncompact.
Box 9 - Initial Moment Resistance and Deflection Check

The program checks that the moment resistance of the beam using full
composite connection is greater than or equal to the applied factored moment.
It also checks if the deflection using full composite connection is acceptable.
The main purpose of this check is to quickly eliminate inadequate beam
sections. Refer to Bending Checks later in this chapter for more information.
Box 10 - Vibration Criteria Check

The program calculates the vibration parameters. If vibration is specified to be
used as one of the tools for selecting the optimum beam size, the program
checks if the vibration parameters satisfy the specified limits. If the vibration
check is satisfied, the design using the current trial section continues;
otherwise, the design for this section is terminated. For more detailed
information on the vibration checks, refer to Floor Vibration in Chapter 2.
Box 11 - Axial Load

The program checks if axial load exists on the beam for any design load
combination. If so, the axial load resistance is determined and the interaction is
subsequently checked, as indicated in Box 14. If there is no axial load on the
beam, the axial resistance is not determined and the interaction check (Box 14)
is skipped. Refer to Section Compactness Requirements later in this chapter for
a description of how the program calculates axial load resistance.
Box 12 - P-M Interaction Check

If there is axial load on the beam, the program checks the P-M interaction
equations. If the interaction check is satisfied, the design using the current trial
section continues; otherwise, the design for this section is terminated. Refer to
Moment Capacity for Steel Section Alone later in this chapter for more
information.
Box 13 - Partial Composite Action

A significant amount of design is performed at this point in the process. The
program determines the smallest amount of composite connection for which
the beam is adequate. Both flexural checks and deflection checks are made at
this point. In addition, the program considers axial load on the beam if it exists
and is specified to be considered. Flexural checks are also made for the
construction loads.
For more information refer to Composite Moment Capacity of a Partially

Composite Beam with a Plastic Stress Distribution in Chapter 2 and Bending
Checks later in this chapter. Also refer to the section entitled Positive Moment
Capacity with an Elastic Stress Distribution in Chapter 2.
Box 14 - Required Number of Shear Connectors

The program calculates the required number of shear connectors on the beam
and the distribution of those shear connectors. For more information refer to
Steel Anchors later in this chapter. Also refer to Distribution of Steel Headed
Stud Anchors on a Composite Beam and Number of Shear Studs that Fit in a
Composite Beam Segment in Chapter 2. Finally refer to Effective Width of the
Concrete Slab in Chapter 2 for limitations associated with composite beams
and formed metal deck.
Box 15 - Checking if Shear Connectors Fit on the Beam

The program checks if the number of shear connectors calculated (Box 14)
actually fits on the beam. For more information refer to Number of Shear Studs
that Fit in a Composite Beam Segment in Chapter 2. If the connectors fit on the
beam, the design using the current trial section continues; otherwise, the design
for this section is terminated.
Box 16 - Beam Shear

The program checks the beam shear for the reactions at each end of the beam.
See Beam Shear Capacity later in this chapter for more information. If the
beam shear check is satisfied, the design using the current trial section
continues; otherwise, the design for this section is terminated.
Box 17 - Camber
The program determines the camber for the beam, if it is specified to have
camber. Refer to Beam Deflection and Camber in Chapter 2for more information.
Box 18 - Section Price

Determination of the price of a section applies only when price has been
specified by the user as the method of selecting the optimum section. In such
cases, the program determines the price of the current beam. Refer to the
section entitled How the Program Optimizes Design Groups in Chapter 2 for
more information.
Box 19 - Check if a Section is the Current Optimum Section

This check applies only if price has been specified as the method of selecting
the optimum section. The program checks if the price of the current trial beam
is less than that of any other beam that satisfies the design criteria. If so, the
current beam section becomes the current optimum beam section. Refer to the
section entitled How the Program Optimizes Design Groups in Chapter 2 for
more information.
If the optimum beam size is to be selected by weight, this check becomes

irrelevant because the beams are checked in order from the lightest to the
heaviest beams and thus the first beam found to work is the optimum beam.
Box 20 - Checking for Possible Additional Optimum Sections

This check applies only if the beam has been assigned an auto select property.
The program checks if another section in the auto select list might qualify as
the optimum beam section. Refer to the section entitled How the Program
Optimizes Design Groups in Chapter 2 for more information.
Box 21 - Design Complete

At this point, the design for this particular beam element is complete. If the
beam has been assigned an auto select property, the current optimum section,
assuming one has been found, is the optimum section for the beam. The
program will indicate if no beam with an optimum section is included in the
auto select list.
If the beam is assigned a regular, non-auto select property, the design for that
beam property will be provided or the beam will be indicated to be inadequate.
There are some additional aspects included in the composite beam design
module that are not directly addressed in the flowchart shown in Figure 3-1.
Those include designing beams in groups and designing beams with partial
length cover plates.
For more information on the design by group feature, refer to the section
entitled How the Program Optimizes Design Groups in Chapter 2. The
extension of the methodology described for designing by groups is relatively
simple and is assumed to be apparent to the reader.
When a beam has a partial length cover plate, the program checks not only the
design at the point of the maximum moment (Box 8 of Figure 3-1), but also the
design at the point of the largest moment where the cover plate does not exist.
3.3 Design Load Combinations

The default composite beam design load combinations can be used for design,
or the user may define design load combinations, or both default combinations
and user defined combinations can be used. The default design load
combinations can be modified or deleted as needed.
3.3.1 Strength Check for Construction Loads

The program performs the check using the construction load design load
combination only if the beam is unshored. If the beam is shored, the check for
construction loads is not performed and any specified design load
combinations for construction loads are not relevant.
The automatically created design load combination, using the Eurocode 0:2002
specification, for checking the strength of an unshored beam subjected to
construction loads. Eurocode 0:2002 allows load combinations to be defined
based on EC0 equation 6.10 or the less favorable EC0 equations 6.10a and
6.10b [NDP].
∑γ
j ≥1
G, j Gk , j + γ p P + γ Q ,1Qk ,1 + ∑γ i >1
Q ,i ψ 0,i Qk ,i (EC0 Eq. 6.10)
∑γ
j ≥1
G, j Gk , j + γ p P + γ Q ,1ψQ ,1Qk ,1 + ∑γ
i >1
Q ,i ψ 0,i Qk ,i (EC0 Eq. 6.10a)
∑ξ γ
j ≥1
j G, j Gk , j + γ p P + γ Q ,1Qk ,1 + ∑γ
i >1
Q ,i ψ 0,i Qk ,i (EC0 Eq. 6.10b)
Load combinations including earthquake effects are generated based on:
∑G
j ≥1
k, j + P + AEd + ∑ψ
i >1
2,i Qk ,i (EC0 Eq. 6.12b)
The following load combinations are considered if the option is set to generate
the combinations based on EC0 equation 6.10.
Design Load Combinations 3 - 21

γGj,supWDL (EC0 Eq. 6.10)

γGj,supWDL+γQ,1 LL (EC0 Eq. 6.10)
The following load combinations are considered if the option is set to generate
the combinations based on the maximum of EC0 equations 6.10a and 6.10b.
γGj,supWDL (EC0 Eq. 6.10a)

ξγGj,supWDL (EC0 Eq. 6.10b)
γGj,supWDL + γQ,1 ψ0,1 LL (EC0 Eq. 6.10a)
ξγGj,supWDL + γQ,1 LL (EC0 Eq. 6.10b)
The variable values and factors used in the load combinations are defined as:
γGj,sup = 1.35 [NDP] (EC0 Table A1.2(B))
γGj,inf = 1.00 [NDP] (EC0 Table A1.2(B))
γQ,1 = 1.5 [NDP] (EC0 Table A1.2(B))
ψ 0,i 0.7 (live load, not storage) [NDP]

= (EC0 Table A1.1)
ξ = 0.85 [NDP] (EC0 Table A1.2(B))
ψ2,i = 0.3 (assumed office/residential) [NDP] (EC0 Table A1.1)
where,
ΣWDL = The sum of all wet dead load (WDL) load cases defined
for the model. Note that if a load case is simply defined as
dead load, it is assumed to be a WDL load case.
ΣLL = The sum of all live load (LL) load cases defined for the
model.
ΣRLL = The sum of all reducible live load (RLL) load cases
defined for the model.
In the preceding equation the term 0.2 ( LL + Σ ΣRLL) is an assumed

construction live load. Note that the load factor for dead loads is assumed the
3 - 22 Design Load Combinations

same as that for live load when considering construction loads (e.g., placing of
concrete, etc.). See R. Vogel (1991).
3.3.2 Strength Check for Final Loads

The automatically created design load combinations for checking the strength
of a composite beam under final loads are given by the following equations.
Σ
1.35( WDL + ΣSDL) (EC0 Eq. 6.10, 6.10a)
Σ
1.35 ( WDL + ΣSDL) + 1.5 (ΣLL + ΣRLL) (EC0 Eq. 6.10, 6.10a)
where,
ΣSDL = The sum of all superimposed dead load (SDL) load cases
defined for the model.
and the remainder of the terms are as defined previously in this section.
3.3.3 Deflection Check for Final Loads

The automatically created design load combination for checking the deflection
of a composite beam under final loads is given by the following equation,
ΣWDL + ΣSDL + ΣLL + ΣRLL, (EC0 Eq. 6.10a)
where all of the terms are as described previously. Note that all of the load
factors for this serviceability check are 1.0.
If the beam is unshored, the WDL portion of the deflection is based on the
moment of inertia of the steel beam alone and the remainder of the deflection is
based on the effective moment of inertia of the composite section. If the beam
is shored, the entire deflection is based on the effective moment of inertia of
the composite section.
3.4 Section Compactness Requirements

This section describes how the program checks the Eurocode 4-2004
specification requirements for section classification. The section class
requirements checked are in Eurocode 3-2005, Table 5.2. The program checks
Section Compactness Requirements 3 - 23

the width-to-thickness ratios of the beam compression flange, beam web, and,
if it exists and is in compression, the cover plate. When a singly symmetric
beam is designed for noncomposite behavior, it is also checked for lateral
torsional buckling requirements.
The program classifies beam sections as either Class 1, Class 2, Class3, Class 4
or slender. It checks the section class requirements at each design location
along the beam for each design load combination separately. A beam section
may be classified differently for different design load combinations. For
example, a beam may be classified as Class 2 for design load combination A
and as Class 3 for design load combination B. Two reasons that a beam may be
classified differently for different design load cases are as follows.
The section classification requirements for beam webs depend on the axial load
in the beam. Different design load combinations may produce different axial
loads in the beam. This is an issue only when beam axial loads are specified to
be considered in the composite beam analysis and design.
The compression flange may be different for different design load

combinations. If the sizes of the top and bottom flanges are not the same,
classification of the section may depend on which flange is determined to be
the compression flange.
At each design location, for each design load combination, the program first
checks a beam section for the section classification requirements for the
compression flange, web, cover plate (if applicable) and lateral torsional
buckling (if applicable) described herein. If the beam section meets all of those
requirements, it is classified as Class 1 or Class 2 for that design load
combination. If the beam section does not meet all of the Class 1 section
requirements, it is checked for the Class 2, or Class 3 or Class 4 requirements
for the flanges, web, cover plate (if applicable) and lateral torsional buckling (if
applicable) described herein. If the beam section meets all of those
requirements, it is classified as Class 4 for that design load combination. If the
beam section does not meet all of the Class 4 section requirements, it is
classified as slender for that design load combination, and the program does
not consider it for composite beam design.
3 - 24 Section Compactness Requirements

3.5 Section Classification

“Eurocode 3-2005” classifies sections into four different classes, which identify
the extent to which the resistance and rotation capacity is limited by local
buckling. The different classes are based on the width-to-thickness ratio of the
parts subject to compression and are defined as:
 Class 1 – section can form a plastic hinge with the rotation capacity
required from plastic analysis, without reduction of the resistance.
 Class 2 – section can develop its plastic moment capacity, but has limited
rotation capacity.
 Class 3 – section in which the stress in the extreme compression fiber of

the section, assuming an elastic distribution of stresses, can reach the yield
strength, but local buckling is likely to prevent the development of the
plastic moment capacity.
 Class 4 – section is subject to local buckling before reaching the yield

stress in one or more of the parts.
 Too Slender – section does not satisfy any of the criteria for Class 1, 2, 3,
or 4. This happens when tf < 3 mm or tw< 3 mm. Too Slender sections are
beyond the scope of the code. They are not checked/designed.
The following three tables identify the limiting width-to-thickness ratios for
classifying the various parts of the cross-section, subject to bending only,
compression only, or combined bending and compression.
The various parameters used in calculating the width-to-thickness ratio limits

are defined as:
ε = 235 f y (EC3 Table 5.2)
 N 
ψ = − 1 + 2 Ed , −3.0 < ψ ≤ 1.0 (EC3 5.5.2, Table 5.2)
 Af y 
 for I-sections, Channels:
1  h 1 N Ed 
=
α  − − ( t f − r ) , −1 ≤ α ≤ 1 (EC3 5.5.2, Table 5.2)
c  2 2 tw f y 
Section Classification 3 - 25
Table 3-1: Width-To-Thickness Ratios - Bending Only

Shape Part Ratio Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
I-sections, Channels Web c/t 72ε 83ε 124ε
Table 3-2: Width-To-Thickness Ratios - Compression Only

Web c/t 33ε 38ε 42ε
I-sections, Channels
Flange c/t 9ε 10ε 14ε
Table 3-3: Width-To-Thickness Ratios – Combined Bending And Compression

Web c/t 396ε /(13α – 1) 456ε /(13α – 1) 42ε /(0.67 + 0.33ψ)
when α> 0.5; when α> 0.5; when ψ>−1;
36ε /α when 41.5ε /α when 62ε (1−ψ) −ψ when
α≤ 0.5 α≤ 0.5
I-sections, ψ≤−1
Channels Flange c/t 9ε /α 10ε /α
(tip in comp.)
21ε kσ
Flange c/t 9ε /(α α ) 10ε /(α α )
(tip in tens.)
The c refers to width or depth of a part of a cross section.
3.5.1 Limiting Width-to-Thickness Ratios for Cover Plates

The width-to-thickness checks made for the cover plate depend on the width of
the cover plate compared to the width of the beam bottom flange. Figure 3-2
illustrates the conditions considered.
In Case A of the figure, the width of the cover plate is less than or equal to the
width of the beam bottom flange. In that case, the width-to-thickness ratio is
taken as b1/tcp, and it is checked as a flange cover plate.
In Case B of Figure 3-2, the width of the cover plate is greater than the width
of the beam bottom flange. Two conditions are checked in that case. The first
condition is the same as that shown in Case A, where the width-to-thickness
ratio is taken as b1/tcp and is checked as a flange cover plate. The second
3 - 26 Section Classification
condition checked in Case B takes b2/tcp as the width-to-thickness ratio and

checks it as a plate projecting from a beam.
If the moment is positive, the cover plate will be in tension. In such a case, the
cover plate will be classified as Class 1 (Plastic) regardless of the width
thickness ratio. See Table 3-1 for details.
Beam
Beam
Cover plate
tcp
tcp
b1 b2 b1 b2
Cover plate
Case A Case B
Figure 3-2 Conditions Considered When Checking

Width-to-Thickness Ratios of Cover Plates
3.5.2 Slenderness Ratios for Lateral Torsional Buckling

When a singly symmetric beam is designed for noncomposite behavior, it is
checked for lateral torsional buckling requirements. If the singly symmetric
beam is unshored, this check occurs for any construction design load case. It
also occurs for beams that have negative bending that are not specified to
consider the composite action provided by the slab rebar. Finally, the check
occurs for any singly symmetric beam specified to be noncomposite.
When reviewing for lateral torsional buckling requirements, the value of Lb/ryc
is checked. Lb is the laterally unbraced length of beam; that is, the length
between points that are braced against lateral displacement of the compression
flange. The term ryc is the radius of gyration of the compression flange about
the y axis.
Section Classification 3 - 27

Bending
The plastic moment resistance for full composite connection, Mpl,Rd, is
calculated based on the section entitled Composite Plastic Moment Capacity
for Positive Bending in Chapter 2.
The plastic moment resistance for partial composite beam, Mpl,Rd, is calculated
based on the section entitled Composite Moment Capacity of a Partially
Composite Beam with a Plastic Stress Distribution in Chapter 2.
Figure 2-31 in Chapter 2 illustrates a generic plastic stress distribution for
positive bending for both full and partial composite cases. Note that the
concrete is stressed to 0.85 f cd , and the steel is stressed to Fyd (EC4 6.2.1.2).
The illustrated plastic stress distribution is the basic distribution of stress used
by the program when considering a plastic stress distribution for positive
bending. Note that if the metal deck ribs are parallel to the beam, the concrete
in the ribs also is considered.
For composite sections with structural steel grade S420 or S460, where the
distance xpl between the plastic neutral axis and the extreme fiber compressive
stress in concrete slab exceeds 15 percent of the overall depth, h, of (beam +
slab), the design resistance, Mpl,Rd is reduced by β factor where β is the
reduction factor given in EC4, Figure 6.3.
1.00 for x pl h ≤ 0.15

=β 0.85 for 0.15 ≤ x pl h ≤ 0.40
 0.40 for x pl h > 0.40 (EC4 6.2.1.2(2))

It should be noted that for both full and partial composite cases, the concrete
stress block is stressed to 0.85 f cd .
3.7 Composite Section Elastic Moment Capacity

To calculate the positive moment resistance with an elastic stress distribution,
the program first calculates the location of the elastic neutral axis (ENA) and
the transformed section moment of inertia. Information on how the program
3 - 28 Composite Plastic Moment Capacity for Positive Bending

inertia for full composite connection is provided in the section entitled

Transformed Section Moment of Inertia in Chapter 2. Information on how the
program calculates the location of the ENA and the transformed section
moment of inertia for partial composite connection is provided in the section
entitled Elastic Stresses with Partial Composite Connection in Chapter 2.
3.8 Moment Capacity for Steel Section Alone

This section describes how the program calculates the moment resistance of a
noncomposite steel beam, including a cover plate, if applicable.
The program calculates the moment resistance, Mc,Rd, only if the beam is Class
1 to Class 4 section. It does not calculate Mc,Rd if the section is slender. The
design moment, Mpl,Rd, for a noncomposite rolled steel beam section without a
W f
cover plate is calculated as M pl , Rd = pl y .
γM 0
The exact methodology used to compute the design moment resistance in the
other cases depends on whether the beam, including the cover plate if it exists,
is doubly or singly symmetric, and whether the beam web is classified as
Section Class 1, 2, 3 or Section Class 4 .
Figure3-3 shows a flowchart that identifies the appropriate section in this

chapter for calculating the moment resistance of the steel section alone.
Is section doubly No
Is the beam web No Is the beam web No Beam section is
symmetric or a
compact? noncompact? classified as
channel?
slender and is not
Yes a Yes b Yes c designed. Go to
next trial section.
Refer to Refer to Refer to d

“Moment “Moment “Moment
Capacity for a Capacity for a Capacity for a
Doubly Symmetric Singly Symmetric Singly Symmetric
Beam or a Beam or a Beam or a
Channel Section” Channel Web” Noncompact Web”
in this chapter. in this chapter. in this chapter.
e f g
Figure 3-3 Flowchart to Determine which Section of this Chapter Applies

When Calculating Plastic Moment for Steel Sections Alone
Moment Capacity for Steel Section Alone 3 - 29

The figure has boxes labeled a through g; start in the box labeled a. Note that
the criteria used by the program to determine if a section is compact or
noncompact for the Eurocode 4-2004 specification is described in this chapter
in the section entitled Section Classification Requirements.
3.8.1 Steel Beam Properties

If properties for the steel section alone are available directly from the
program's section database, then those properties are used to compute the
moment resistance. For other cases such as a user defined section or a section
with a cover plate, the section properties are calculated in a manner similar to
that described in Transformed Section Moment of Inertia in Chapter 2, except
that there is no concrete or reinforcing steel to consider.
After the moment of inertia has been calculated, the section moduli and radius
of gyration are calculated using standard formulas. This process is repeated to
get properties about both axes. The torsional constant is determined by
summing the torsional constants for the various components of the section. For
example, it may be determined by summing the J's of a rolled section and the
cover plate, if applicable, or in a user defined section, by summing the J's for
the top flange, web, bottom flange and cover plate, if applicable.
3.8.2 Moment Capacity for an I-Beam and Channel

The design flexural resistance for major axis bending depends on compactness
of the web and flanges.
The factored moment resistance in the major and minor directions is based on
the geometric shape of the section, the section classification for compactness,
and the unbraced length of the member. The bending strengths are evaluated
according to Eurocode 3-2005 as follows (EC3 Section 6.2):
The program uses the minimum of the flexure strength, Mc,Rd, computed from
the Cross-Sectional Strength, Overall Member Strength and Torsional and
Torsional-Lateral Buckling Strength.
Cross-Sectional Strength and Overall Member Strength: The Mc,Rd33 and Mc,Rd22
are calculated assuming that the member is laterally fully supported (l22 = 0
and l33 = 0) irrespective of its actual lateral bracing length.
3 - 30 Moment Capacity for Steel Section Alone

Lateral-Torsional Buckling Strength: Mc,Rd33 and Mc,Rd22 are calculated based on

actual unbraced length.
If the capacities (Mc,Rd22and Mc,Rd33) are overwritten by the user, they are
assumed not to apply to this case and are ignored.
For Cross-Sectional Strength and Overall Member Strength cases, the moment
capacities are considered to be as follows:
 Class 1 or 2 sections
W pl f y
M c , Rd M
= = pl , Rd (EC3 6.2.5(2))
γM 0
 Class 3 sections
Wel ,min f y
M
= c , Rd M
= el , Rd (EC3 6.2.5(2))
γM 0
 Class 4 sections:
Weff ,min f y
M c , Rd = (EC3 6.2.5(2))
γM 0
The plastic and elastic section modulus values, Wpl and Wel,min are part of the
frame section definition.
Weff,min is the effective section modulus, corresponding to the fiber with the
maximum elastic stress, of the cross-section when subjected only to moment
about the relevant axis. Weff,min is based on the effective widths of the
compression parts (EC3 6.2.9.3(2), 6.2.2.5(1)). It is determined based on EN
1993-1-5 code (EN 1993-1-5 4.4(2), Table 4.1, Table 4.2).
The effect of high shear on the design moment resistance, Mc,Rd, is considered
if:
VEd ≥ 0.5Vpl , Rd (EC3 6.2.8(2))
To account for the effect of high shear in I-sections, and Channels sections,
subjected to major axis moment, the reduced design plastic resistance moment
is taken as:

 nρAw2 
W
 pl , y −  fy
 4tw 
=M y ,V , Rd ≤ M y ,c , Rd (EC3 6.2.8(5))
γM 0
where n, ρ and Aw are taken as:
n =1 for I, Channel, and Tee sections (EC3 6.2.8(5))
2
 2V 
=ρ  Ed − 1 (EC3 6.2.8(3))
 V pl , Rd 
Aw = hw t w (EC3 6.2.8(5))
Similarly, for I and Channel, if the minor direction shear is more than 0.5 times
the plastic shear resistance in the minor direction, the corresponding plastic
resistance moment is also reduced as follows:
 nρA2f 
W pl , z −  fy
 4t f 
=M z ,V , Rd ≤ M Z ,c , Rd (EC3 6.2.8(5))
γM 0
where,
n = 2, for I and Channel sections (EC3 6.2.8(5))
2
 2Vy , Ed 
=ρ  − 1 (EC3 6.2.8(3))
 Vy , pl , Rd 
Af = b f t f (EC3 6.2.8(5))
For Lateral-Torsional Buckling Strength, the moment capacities are considered

to be as follows (EC3 6.3).
The lateral-torsional buckling check at each output station shall satisfy:
M Ed
≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.3.2.1(1))
M b, Rd

where the design buckling resistance moment, Mb,Rd is taken as:
fy
M b , Rd = χ LT Wy (EC3 6.3.2.1(3))
λ MI
and the section modulus, Wy is defined based on the section classification:
− Class 1 or 2 sections
Wy = Wpl , y (EC3 6.3.2.1(3))
− Class 3 sections
Wy = Wel , y (EC3 6.3.2.1(3))
− Class 4 sections
Wy = Weff , y (EC3 6.3.2.1(3))
Wpl, Wel, and Weff have been described in the previous section.
The reduction factor χLT is taken as:
1
=χ LT ≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.3.2.2(1))
Φ LT + Φ 2LT − λ 2LT
where the factor, Φ, and the non-dimensional slenderness, λ LT are taken as:
Φ
= LT 0.5 1 + α LT ( λ LT − 0.2 ) + λ LT 2  (EC3 6.3.2.2(1))
Wy f y
λ LT = (EC3 6.3.2.2(1))
M cr
The elastic critical moment, Mcr, is based on gross cross-section properties and
taken as:
0.5
π2 EI  I L2 GI 
=M cr C1 2 z  w + cr2 T  (EC3-1993 F1.1)
Lcr  I z π EI z 

where Iz, Iw, and IT are the minor axis inertia, warping constant, and torsion
constant, respectively; Lcr is the effective unbraced length for the lateral-
torsional buckling mode, and C1 is defined as:
C1 1.88 − 1.40ψ + 0.52ψ 2 ≤ 2.7

= (EC3-1993 F1.1(6))
where ψ is the ratio of the smaller to the larger end moments. The value of C1 is
also taken as 1.0 if the unbraced length is overwritten. The value of C1 can be
overwritten on a member-by-member basis.
Here, Lcr is the effective unbraced length for the lateral-torsional buckling
mode.
Lcr = K LTB LLTB
when KLTB is the effective length factor for the lateral-torsional buckling mode,
and LLTB is the unbraced length for the lateral-torsional buckling mode.
The imperfection factor, αLT is defined in Table 6-1 based on the respective
buckling curve, defined in Table 6-2 (EC3 6.3.2.2(2)).
Table 6-1: Imperfection factors (EC3 Table 6.3, 6.3.2.2(2))

Buckling Curve a b c d
Imperfection Factor,αLT [NDP] 0.21 0.34 0.49 0.76
Table 6-2: Buckling curves (EC3 Table 6.4, 6.3.2.2(2))

Section Shape Limits Buckling Curve
h/b≤ 2 a
Rolled I-sections
h/b> 2 b
h/b≤ 2 c
Welded I-sections
h/b> 2 d
Other sections - d
The lateral-torsional buckling resistance of Channels and I-sections is

calculated as described previously.

3.9 Bending Checks

This section describes how the program checks bending for Eurocode 4-2004
design.
3.9.1 Bending Check Locations

For each design load combination the program checks bending at the following
locations:
 Point of maximum moment for the design load combination considered.
 Point load locations for the design load combination considered.
3.9.2 Bending Check at Point of Maximum Moment

For beams with no axial load, or when axial loads are not considered, the
program uses the following equation to perform bending checks for both
composite and noncomposite beams. If there is axial load to be considered, the
interaction formulas described in the section entitled Steel Section Alone in this
chapter are used rather than this equation.
M Ed
≤ 1.0 (EC3 6.2.5(1))
M c, Rd
where,
MEd = The maximum required flexural strength, that is, the maximum
applied factored moment, N-mm.
Mc,Rd = Moment resistance for full composite connection or partial

composite connection, as applicable, N-mm.
The program check does not include minor axis bending moment and axial
force for composite section. However, if the beam is found to be non-
composite, a more rigorous approach is used to check the section.
Bending Checks 3 - 35
3.9.3 Bending Check at Point Loads

The bending check at point load locations is ensured by checking the number
of shear connectors between the point of zero moment and the point load.
3.10 Steel Anchors

This section begins by defining the program's default allowable shear
connector loads for Eurocode 4-2004 composite beam design. Shear connector
capacities are defined for both shear studs and channel shear connectors. Next
the equations used for determining the number of shear connectors on the beam
are provided.
3.10.1 Steel Headed Stud Anchor

The capacity for a single steel headed stud anchor in a solid slab is calculated
using the smaller of EC4 Eqn. 6.18 and Eqn. 6.19:
0.8 f u π d 2 4
PRd = (EC4, Eqn. 6.18)
γv
0.29αd 2 f ck Ecm
PRd = (EC4, Eqn. 6.19)
γv
where,
h 
=α 0.2  sc + 1 for 3 ≤ hsc d ≤ 4 (EC4, Eqn. 6.20)
 d 
=α 1 for hsc d > 4 (EC4, Eqn. 6.21)
γv is the partial factor,
d is the diameter of the shank of the stud, 16 mm ≤ d ≤25 mm
fu is the specified ultimate tensile strength of the stud material but f u

≤ 500 N/mm2,
f ck is the characteristic cylinder compressive strength of the concrete,
3 - 36 Steel Anchors
hsc is the overall nominal height of the stud.
For ribbed slabs with the ribs parallel to the beam,
The design shear resistance of shear studs in ribbed slabs where ribs are
parallel to the beam is taken as kl PRd .
wr  H s 
=kl 0.6  − 1.0  ≤ 1.0 (EC4, Eqn. 6.22)
hr  hr 
where, H s ≤ hr + 75mm
For ribbed slabs with the ribs perpendicular to the beam,
The design shear resistance of shear studs in ribbed slabs where ribs are
perpendicular to the beam is taken as kt PRd where PRd is calculated for the
solid slab using EQ4, Eqn. 6.18 using f u ≤ 450 N/mm2.
0.7 wr  H s 
=kt  − 1.0  ≤ kt ,max (EC4, Eqn. 6.23)
nr hr  hr 
where, nr is the number of shear studs in one rib at a beam intersection, not to
exceed 2 in computations.
The factor kt ,max is given in EC4, Table 6.2.
Table 6-2 : Upper limits kt,max for reduction factor kt

Studs not exceeding 20 Profiled sheeting with
Number of stud Thickness t of mm in diameter and holes and studs 19
connectors per sheet welded through profiled mm or 22 mm in
rib (mm) steel sheeting diameter
≤ 1.0 0.85 0.75
nr = 1
> 1.0 1.0 0.75
≤ 1.0 0.70 0.60

nr = 2
> 1.0 0.8 0.60
The terms f ck and Ecm can be different on the two sides of the beam. The
program calculates Prd for each side of the beam separately using the preceding
equation and uses the smaller value in the calculations.
Steel Anchors 3 - 37
3.10.2 Horizontal Shear for Full Composite Connection

The total horizontal shear to be resisted between the point of maximum
positive moment (where the concrete is in compression) and the points of zero
moment for full composite connection, ∑ Qn −100 , is given by the smaller of
∑Q c
n −100 and ∑Q s
n −100 as applicable.
The total maximum horizontal shear that can develop due to crushing of
concrete, ∑ Q cn −100 , is given by
∑ Q cn−100 0.85 fcd left Ac left + α1 fcd right Ac right

=
The total maximum horizontal shear that can be developed due to tensile
yielding of the steel section, ∑ Q ns −100 , is given by
∑ Q= s
n −100 As Fyd + bcp tcp Fydcp (Rolled Shape)
∑=
Q s
n −100 b f -top t f -top Fydf -top + htw Fydw + b f -bot t f -bot Fydf -bot + bcp tcp Fydcp (Welded)
In the preceding equations,
Ac = Area of concrete slab within the effective width. It may include the
rib area if the rib is parallel to the beam, mm2.
As = Area of steel cross-section, mm2.
3.10.3 Number of Shear Connectors

3.10.3.1 Between Maximum Moment and Point of Zero Moment
For full composite action, the number of shear connectors between a point of
maximum positive or negative moment and adjacent points of zero moment,
N1, is given as follows:
N1 =
∑Q n −100
.
Qn
3 - 38 Steel Anchors
In the preceding equation, ΣQ n-100 is as determined in the previous section

entitled Horizontal Shear for Full Composite Connection.
For partial composite connection, the number of shear connectors between a

point of maximum positive (not negative) moment and adjacent points of zero
moment, N1, is given as follows:
ΣQn − PCC
N1 =
Qn
In the preceding equation, ΣQ n-PCC is equal to the percent composite

connection times ΣQ n-100. For example, if there is 70% composite connection,
ΣQ n-PCC = 0.7 ΣQ n-100. Thus, the percent composite connection, p, for

Eurocode 4-2004 design is given as follows:
p=
∑Q n − PCC
∑Q n −100
3.10.3.2 Between the Point Load and the Point of Zero Moment
The program uses the following equation to check that the number of shear
connectors provided between a point load and a point of zero moment is
sufficient. This equation is not specified by CSA but is used by CSI as the
LRFD equivalent of Equation I4-5 in the AISC-ASD89 specification.
 M Ed − M c , Rd steel alone 
N 2 = N1  
 M c , Rd comp − M c , Rd steel alone
 
In the preceding equation,
Mc,Rdcomp = Maximum moment resistance of the composite beam,

considering partial composite connection if applicable, N-
mm.
Mc,Rdsteel alone= Moment resistance of the steel beam alone, N-mm.
MEd = Moment at the point load location, N-mm.
Steel Anchors 3 - 39
N1 = Number of shear connectors required between the point of

maximum moment and the point of zero moment, or the
end of the slab, unitless.
N2 = Number of shear connectors required between the point

load considered and the point of zero moment, or the end
of the slab, unitless.
This equation is checked at each point load location.
3.11 Beam Shear Capacity

This section describes how the program calculates the allowable shear stress
for Eurocode 4-2004 composite beam design.
3.11.1 Shear Capacity

The design shear resistance, Vpl,Rd, for major direction shears in I-shapes and
channels is evaluated as follows (EC4 6.2.2.2, EC3 6.2.6):
V= V=
(
Av f y 3 ) (EC3 6.2.6(2))
c , Rd pl , Rd
γM 0
Note that in preceding equations, Av, the area of the web, is calculated as
shown in the following equation, where Ctop and Cbot are the depths of copes, if
any, at the top and bottom of the beam section. The copes are specified in the
overwrites.
Av = (d − Ctop − Cbot) tw.
3.12 Shear Buckling Check

For webs of I-sections, Boxes, Channels, without intermediate stiffeners, shear
buckling is checked if (EC4 6.2.2.3, EC3 5.1):
hw ε
> 72 (EC3 6.2.6(6))
tw η
where, ε is taken as:
3 - 40 Beam Shear Capacity

235
ε= with Fy in N/mm2 (EC3-1-5 5.1(2), EC3 Table 5.2)
Fy
The shear area factor, η is taken as:
η= 1.20 [NDP] for Fy≤ 460 N/mm2 , and (EC3-1-5 5.1(2))
η= 1.0 otherwise (EC3-1-5 5.1(2))
However for the UK, the NDPη is taken as 1.
η = 1.0 for UK NDP
The design shear resistance Vc,Rd is taken as:

ηFyw hwt
Vc , Rd =Vb, Rd =Vbw, Rd + Vbf , Rd ≤ (EC3-1-5 5.2(1))
3γ MI
where Vbw, Rd is the contribution from the web, taken as:

χ w f yw hwt
Vbw, Rd = (EC3-1-5 5.2(1))
3γ MI
It is assumed that transverse stiffeners exist only at supports and therefore the
slenderness parameter, λ w is taken as:
h
λw = w (EC3-1-5 5.3(3))
86.4t ε
The transverse stiffeners at the supports are assumed to create only a non-rigid
end post, leading to the shear contribution factor being taken as:
η if λ w < 0.83 η

χw =  (EC3-1-5 Table 5.1)
0.83 η if λ w ≥ 0.83 η
The contribution from the flanges, Vbf,Rd, is conservatively ignored.
Vbf,Rd = 0
Shear Buckling Check 3 - 41

3.12.1 Checking the Beam Shear

The program checks the beam shear at the ends of the beam using the
following equation.
VEd
≤ 1.0 (EC4 6.2.2.4)
VRd
where,
VEd = The required shear strength, that is, the applied factored shear, N.
VRd = Shear resistance, VRd is given by Vpl,Rd in EC4 6.2.2 or Vb,Rd in

EC4 6.2.2.3, whichever is smaller. N.
3.12.2 Limitations of Beam Shear Check

Following are some limitations of the program's beam shear check for
composite beams.
 No check is made for shear on the net section considering the bolt holes.
 Beam shear is checked at the ends of the beam only. In unusual cases, where
some of the load cases act downward and some act upward, the maximum
shear may occur elsewhere. For example, consider a beam that has a uniform
load acting downward over its entire length and a single concentrated load
acting upward at the center. Assume that the magnitude of the upward
concentrated load is equal to the magnitude of the uniform load times its
length. In that case, the end reactions are zero, and the maximum shear
occurs at the center of the beam. The program will check the shear at the
ends of the beam in this case but not at the center.
3.13 Deflection Check

Deflection is calculated as described in the section entitled Beam Deflection
and Camber in Chapter 2. For full composite connection Itr is used in the
deflection calculations. For partial composite connection Ieff is used in the
deflection calculations.
3 - 42 Deflection Check
3.14 Floor Vibration

For Eurocode 4-2004, by default the program calculates the first natural
vibration frequency for each beam and reports it in the output, but it does not
by default use this information to determine the adequacy of a composite beam
section. Users can change this on the Preferences tab in the composite beam
preferences. Users also can indicate that a beam section must satisfy the
Murray minimum damping requirement to be considered acceptable.
Please refer to Floor Vibration in Chapter 2 for more information.
Floor Vibration 3 - 43
Appendix A
Preferences
The composite beam design preferences are basic assignments that apply to all
composite beams.Default values are provided for all composite beam design
preference items. Thus, it is not necessary to specify or change any of the pre-
ferences. However, at least review the default values for the preference items to
make sure they are acceptable.
A1 Factors Tab
Table A1 lists the preference items available for phi factors in Eurocode 4-2004
design.
Table A1 Composite Beam Preferences on the Factors Tab

Possible Default
Item Values Value Description
Gamma- >0 1.5 Concrete resistance factor.
concrete
Gamma-steel >0 1.15 Steel resistance factor.
Gamma-rebar >0 1.15 Rebar resistance factor.
Gamma- >0 1.15 Shear stud resistance factor.
connector
A-1
A2 Beam Tab
Table A2 lists the composite beam preference items available on the Beam tab
in the Preferences form.
Table A2: Composite Beam Preferences on the Beam Tab
Possible Default
Shored? Yes/No No Toggle for shored or unshored construction.
Length in the middle of the beam over
MiddleRange which the program checks the effective
≥ 0% 70%
(%) width on each side of the beam, expressed
as a percentage of the total beam length.
Factor applied to live load for special
Pattern Live
≥0 0.75 pattern live load check for cantilever back
Load Factor
spans and continuous spans.
Stress Ratio The acceptable stress ratio limit. This item
>0 1.0
Limit applies to design optimization only.
Toggle for placement of a steel headed stud
anchor in a single segment. To place studs
Single
in a single segment with uniform spacing
Segment for Yes/No No
throughout the beam, select Yes. This
Studs?
factor has no effect on checking beams with
user defined studs.
Stud Increase Increase the steel headed stud anchor factor
>1 1
Factor over the calculated number.
Additional Additional steel headed anchor to be added
Integer ≥ 0 0
Minimum Studs to the calculated number.
A3 Deflection Tab
Table A3 lists the composite beam preference items available on the Deflection
tab in the Preferences form.
Table A3: Composite Beam Preferences on the Deflection Tab
Possible Default
Pre-composite dead load deflection limita-
tion denominator. Inputting a value of 120
PreComp DL
≥0 0 means that the deflection limit is L/120.
Limit, L/
Inputting zero is special, since it means no
check has to be made for this item.
A-2
Appendix A - Preferences

Possible Default
Post-composite superimposed dead plus
live load deflection limitation denominator.
Super DL+LL Inputting a value of 120 means that the
≥0 240
Limit, L/ deflection limit is L/120. Inputting zero is
special, since it means no check has to be
made for this item.
Live load deflection limitation denomina-
tor. Inputting a value of 360 means that the
Live Load
≥0 360 deflection limit is L/360. Inputting zero is
Limit, L/
made for this item.
Net load deflection (total deflection minus
camber) limitation denominator. Inputting a
value of 240 means that the deflection limit
Total Camber
≥0 240 is L/240. Inputting zero is special, since it
Limit, L/
means no check has to be made for this
item. Camber is subtracted from the total
load deflection before checking.
Percentage of dead load (not including
Camber DL (%) ≥0 100% superimposed dead load) on which camber
calculations are based.
Camber Ignore
≥0 0.75 Value at which camber is ignored.
Limit
The absolute maximum camber in the
Camber Abs Max current unit. If the calculated camber is
>0 4
Limit larger than this limit, the required camber
will be reported as this limiting value.
The maximum camber limitation
denominator. Inputting a value of 360
Camber Max means that the maximum camber limit is
>0 180
Limit, L/ L/360. If the calculated camber is larger
than this limit, the required camber will be
reported as this limiting value.
The camber interval in the current unit. The
camber is reported as an integer multiple of
Camber Interval >0 0.25
the interval. This is used for rounding
purposes only.
Camber rounding procedure. If Yes is
Camber Rounding selected, camber is rounded down
Yes/No Yes
Down consistently to the next level; else camber is
rounded to the nearest level.
A-3

Possible Default
The factor to account for the increase in
deflection because of creep of concrete. It
Creep Factor ≥1 1
affects deflection and camber calculation
only.
The factor that accounts for the loss of
moment inertia due to interfacial slip. It
Slip factor >0 0.85
affects deflection calculation only (see CSA
Commentary 17.3.1)
See the section entitle Beam Deflection and Camber in Chapter 2 for a descrip-
tion of beam deflection and camber.
A4 Vibration Tab
Table A4 lists the composite beam preference items available on the Vibration
tab in the Preferences form.
Table A4: Composite Beam Preferences on the Vibration Tab
Possible Default
Percentage of live load plus reduced live
load considered (in addition to full dead
Percent Live
≥0 25% load) when computing weight supported by
Load (%)
the beam for use in calculating the first
natural frequency of the beam.
Toggle to consider the frequency as one of
Consider
Yes/No No the criteria to be used for determining if a
Frequency?
beam section is acceptable.
Minimum Damping ratio of the system (DG11 Table
>0 8 Hz
Frequency 4.1, DG11 Section 5.2).
Toggle to consider Murray's minimum
Consider
damping requirement as one of the
Murray Yes/No No
criteria to be used for determining if a beam
Damping?
section is acceptable.
Percentage of critical damping that is
Inherent inherent in the floor system. This item is
> 0% 4%
Damping (%) used when Consider Murray Damping item
is set to Yes.
See Floor Vibration in Chapter 2 for a description of beam vibration.
A-4
Appendix A - Preferences
A5 Price Tab
Table A5 lists the composite beam preference items available on the Price tab
in the Preferences form.
Table A5: Composite Beam Preferences on the Price Tab
Possible Default
Toggle to consider price rather than steel
Optimize for
Yes/No No weight when selecting the optimum beam
Price?
section from an auto select section list.
Installed price for a single shear stud con-
Stud Price ($) ≥0 $0
nector.
Camber Price Camber price per unit weight of steel beam
≥0 $0
($) (including cover plate, if it exists).
See "How the Program Optimizes Design Groups" in Chapter 2 for additional
information on the "Optimize for Price?" item.
Be sure to use the same currency units in the preferences (for example, U.S.
dollars) for the steel price in the material properties, the steel headed stud
anchor price, and the camber price.
A-5
Appendix B
Overwrites
The composite beam design overwrites are basic assignments that apply only to
those composite beams to which they are assigned. Default values are provided
for all composite beam overwrite items. Thus, it is not required that any of the
overwrites be changed. However, at least review the default values for the
overwrite items to make sure they are acceptable. When changes are made to
overwrite items, the program applies the changes only to the elements to which
they are specifically assigned; that is, to the elements that are selected when the
overwrites are changed.
B1 Beam
Table B-1 lists the composite beam overwrite items available.
Table B-1: Composite Beam Overwrites
Possible Default
Shored? Yes/No No Toggle for shored or unshored construction.
(unshored)
Beam Fy ≥0 Specified in Yield stress of the beam, Fy. Specifying 0
Material in the overwrites means that Fy is as speci-
Properties fied in the material properties
B-1
Table B-1: Composite Beam Overwrites

Possible Default
Beam Fu ≥0 Specified in Minimum tensile strength of the beam, Fu.
Material Specifying 0 means that Fu is as specified
Properties in the material properties
Cover Plate Present? Yes/No No Toggle switch indicating if a full length
cover plate exists on the bottom of the
beam bottom flange.
Plate width ≥0 0 Width of cover plate, bcp.
Plate thickness ≥0 0 Thickness of cover plate, tcp.
Plate Fy >0 0 Cover plate yield stress, Fycp. Specifying 0
means that Fycp is set to that specified in the
beam material properties
The Shored item affects both the deflection calculations and the flexural stress
calculations for the beam. See the section entitled Beam Deflection and Camb-
er in Chapter 2 for a description of beam deflection. If the beam is shored, no
checks are performed for the construction loading design load combination.
Typically, when a beam is designed using the Composite Beam Design post-
processor that beam is designed as a composite beam if it has a deck section
(not slab section) assigned along the full length of the specified Middle Range
on at least one side of the beam.
When a beam is designed as noncomposite with minimum shear studs, the

beam is designed as a noncomposite beam. Then steel stud anchors are speci-
fied for the beam with as large a spacing as possible, without exceeding the
specified maximum longitudinal spacing. The maximum longitudinal spacing
can be overwritten on the Steel Stud Anchor tab.
See Effective Width of the Concrete Slab in Chapter 2 for a description of the
beam effective width.
The beam yield stress and the cover plate yield stress both default to the yield
stress specified for the material property associated with the beam section.
B-2
Appendix B - Overwrites
In this program, the cover plate can have a yield stress that is different from
that of the beam, if desired. See Cover Plates in the section entitled Composite
Beam Properties in Chapter 2 for a description of cover plates.
B2 Bracing (C) and Bracing

Tables B-2a, B-2b, and B-2c list the composite beam overwrite items available
for bracing.
Table B-2a: First Two Composite Beam Overwrite Items
Possible Default
Omega2 factor ≥0 Program Unitless factor used in determining allowa-
calculated ble bending stress, ω2. Specifying 0 in the
overwrites means that this value is program
calculated
Bracing Program Program This item defines how the unbraced lengths
Condition calculated, calculated are determined for buckling about the beam
bracing local 2-axis. They are program calculated,
specified or based on user-specified uniform and point
length bracing, or based on a user-specified max-
specified imum unbraced length.
When the C1 factor is program calculated, the program uses the following equa-
tion to calculate it unless the user has specified the Bracing Condition as
Length Specified.
C1 1.88 − 1.40ψ + 0.52ψ 2 ≤ 2.7

= (EC3-1993 F1.1(6))
where ψ is the ratio of the smaller to the larger end moments. The value of C1 is
also taken as 1.0 if the unbraced length is overwritten. The value of C1 can be
overwritten on a member-by-member basis.
The numeric value of C1is 1.0 for cantilever overhangs.
When the C1 factor is program calculated and the Bracing Condition is set in
the overwrites to Length Specified, the program uses 1.0 for C1.
When the Bracing Condition is specified as Program Calculated, the program

assumes the beam is braced as described in Determination of the Braced Points
of a Beam in the section entitled Beam Unbraced Length and Design Check
B-3
Locations in Chapter 2. Note that the program automatically considers the

bracing for construction loading and for the final condition separately. For the
construction loading condition, the program assumes that the concrete fill does
not assist in bracing the beam.
When the Bracing Condition is specified as Bracing Specified, two additional

items may be specified in addition to those shown in Table B-2a. The two addi-
tional items are shown in Table B-2b.
Table B-2b: Additional Composite Beam Overwrite Items When the Bracing Condition
Is Specified as Bracing Specified
Possible Default
The number of user specified point brace
locations. Clicking in this box opens the
No. Point Braces ≥0 0
Point Braces form,which can be used to
specify point braces.
The number of user specified uniform
braces. Clicking in this box opens the
No. Uniform Braces ≥0 0
Uniform Braces form,which can be used to
specifythe uniform braces.
The No. Point Braces and No. Uniform Braces items allow specification ofthe
actual bracing for the beam. These items are described in User-Specified Uni-
form and Point Bracing in Beam Unbraced Length and Design Check in Chap-
ter 2.
When the Bracing Condition is specified as Length Specified, two items may
be specified in addition to those shown in Table B2a. The two additional items
are shown in Table B2c.
Table B2c: Additional Composite Beam Overwrite Items When the Bracing Condition Is
Specified as Length Specified
Possible Default
Absolute Yes/No No Toggle switch for whether the maximum
Length? unbraced length is given as an absolute
length or a relative length.
Unbraced L22 ≥ 0 and ≤ beam Length of Maximum unbraced length for buckling
length beam about the beam local 2 axis.
B-4
When the maximum unbraced length is specified as an absolute length, the ac-
tual maximum unbraced length is specified. When the maximum unbraced
length is specified as a relative length, the value specified is equal to the max-
imum unbraced length divided by the length of the beam. The relative length
specified is always between 0 and 1, inclusive.
See Beam Unbraced Length and Design Check Locations in Chapter 2 for ad-
ditional information about the unbraced length of the beam.
B3 Deck
Table B-3 lists the composite beam overwrite items available for the Deck.
Table B-3: Composite Beam Overwrites for the Deck
Possible Default
Composite, NC Type of beam design. NC w studs is short

Beam Type w studs, or NC Composite for Noncomposite with minimum shear
w/o studs studs. NC w/o studs is short for
Noncomposite without shear studs.
Program Deck ID assigned to left side of beam.

calculated, any
Program
Deck ID Left defined deck
calculated
property, or
None
Program Span direction of the metal deck ribs on the
Deck direction calculated, Program left side of the beam relative to the span
Left parallel, or calculated direction of the beam.
perpendicular
Program Toggle specifying how the effective width
b-eff left Program
calculated or of the concrete slab on the left side of the
Condition calculated
user-defined beam is determined
Program User defined effective width of the concrete
b-eff left ≥0
calculated slab on the left side of beam, beff left.
Program Deck ID assigned to right side of beam.
calculated, any
Program
Deck ID Right defined deck
calculated
property, or
None
B-5
Table B-3: Composite Beam Overwrites for the Deck

Possible Default
Program Span direction of the metal deck ribs on the
Deck direction calculated, right side of beam relative to the span
Perpendicular
Right parallel, or direction of beam
perpendicular
Program Toggle specifying how the effective width
b-eff right Program
calculated or of the concrete slab on the right side of the
Condition calculated
user-defined beam is determined
User defined effective width of concrete
b-eff right ≥0 0
slab on the right side of the beam, beff right
When the Deck ID is program calculated, the user must refer to the output data
to determine what the program assumed for this item. It is not shown in the
overwrites.
If the deck direction is program calculated, do not overlook the important note
about deck orientation in Multiple Deck Types or Directions Along the Beam
Length in the section EffectiveWidth of the Concrete Slab in Chapter 2.
B4 Shear Stud
Table B-4 lists the composite beam overwrite items available for the Shear
Studs.
Table B-4: Composite Beam Overwrites for the Steel Headed Stud Anchors
Possible Default
Toggle to indicate if a user defined steel
User Pattern? Yes/No No
headed stud anchor pattern is defined.
0, indicating Uniform spacing of steel headed stud
there are no anchors along the beam. There is one shear
Uniform
≥0 uniformly stud per row along the beam.
Spacing
spaced
connectors
B-6
Table B-4: Composite Beam Overwrites for the Steel Headed Stud Anchors
Possible Default
Number of sections in which additional
0, indicating uniformly spaced steel headed stud anchors
there are no are specified. Clicking in this box opens the
No. Additional
≥0 additional Additional Sections form, which can be
Sections
connectors used to specify the section length and the
specified number of uniformly spaced steel headed
anchors in the section.
Toggle for placement of a steel headed stud
anchor in a single segment. To place studs
Single in a single segment with uniform spacing
Yes/No No
Segment? throughout the beam, select Yes. This
factor has no effect on checking beams with
user defined studs.
Stud Increase Increase the steel headed stud anchor factor
>1 1
Factor over the calculated number.
Minimum Extra Additional steel headed anchor to be added
Integer ≥ 0 0
Studs to the calculated number.
6ds Minimum longitudinal spacing of steel
Min Long
>0 (i.e., six stud headed stud anchors along the length of the
Spacing
diameters) beam.
Maximum longitudinal spacing of steel
Max Long
>0 36 inches headed stud anchors along the length of the
Spacing
beam.
4ds Minimum transverse spacing of steel
Min Tran
>0 (i.e., four stud headed stud anchors across the beam
Spacing
diameters) flange.
Maximum number of steel headed stud
Max Studs
>0 3 anchors in a single row across the beam
per Row
flange.
Program Capacity of a single shear stud. Specifying
Program
Qr calculated or 0 in the overwrites means that this value is
calculated
>0 program calculated.
The program default value for the minimum longitudinal spacing of steel head-
ed stud anchors along the length of the beam is six shear stud diameters. Note
that this item is input as an absolute length, not as a multiplier on the stud
diameter.
B-7
The program default value for the maximum longitudinal spacing of steel
headed stud anchors along the length of the beam is 1000 mm. This item is
taken as an absolute length by the program, not as a multiplier on the total slab
thickness as required by the code . The code specifiesthat the maximum longi-
tudinal spacing of steel headed stud anchors along the length of the beam shall
not exceed eight times the total slab thickness (rib height, hr, plus the concrete
slab above the metal deck, tc) or 1000 mm. If the total slab thickness is less
than 1000 mm/6 = 167mm, the program default value may be unconservative
and should be revised.
The program default value for the minimum transverse spacing of steel headed
stud anchors across the beam flange is four shear stud diameters. Note that this
item is input as an absolute length, not as a multiplier on the stud diameter. See
the section entitled Distribution of Steel Headed Stud Anchors on a Composite
Beam in Chapter 2 for an additional description of how steel headed stud anc-
hors are distributed on composite beams.
The “Max Studs per Row” item indicates the maximum number of steel headed
stud anchors that is allowed in a row across the beam flange. For wider beams,
the Min Tran Spacing item might indicate that more steel anchors could be ac-
commodated across the beam flange but the Max Studs per Row item will limit
the number of studs in any row. See the section entitled Distribution of Steel
Headed Stud Anchors on a Composite Beam in Chapter 2 for an additional de-
scription of how steel anchors are distributed on beams.
See Steel Headed Stud Connector in the section entitled Steel Anchors in Chap-
ter 2 for a description of how the program calculates the allowable shear load
for a single steel anchor. Note that when a Qr value is specified in the over-
writes, the program assumes that the specified value of Qr has already been
modified by any applicable reduction factors for the metal deck. Finally, note
that specifying 0 (zero) in the overwrites for this item means that the allowable
shear stud load is calculated by the program, not that it is zero.
Steel anchors are described in more detail in the sections entitled Distribution
of Steel Headed Stud Anchors on a Composite Beam,Number of Shear Studs
that Fit in a Composite Beam Segment, and User Defined Shear Connector
Patterns in Chapter 2.
B-8
B5 Deflection
Table B-5 lists the composite beam overwrite items available for Deflection.
Table B5: Composite Beam Overwrites for Deflection
Possible Default
Toggle to consider live load and total load
Deflection Check Ratio,
Ratio deflection limitations as absolute or as
Type Absolute, Both
divisor of beam length (relative).
PreComp DL
Limit, L/
≥0 240
Limit, L/ deflection limit is L/120. Inputting zero is
made for this item.
Live Load
Limit, L/
made for this item.
Total Camber value of 240 means that the deflection limit
Limit, L/ means no check has to be made for this
PreComp DL
Limit, abs
B-9
Table B5: Composite Beam Overwrites for Deflection

Possible Default
≥0 240
Limit, abs deflection limit is L/120. Inputting zero is
made for this item.
Live Load
Limit, abs
made for this item.
Total Camber value of 240 means that the deflection limit
Limit, abs means no check has to be made for this
Calculate Toggle for the program to calculate beam
Yes/No Yes
Camber? camber.
Fixed Camber User specified camber when the program
≥0 0
does not calculate beam camber
The factor to account for the increase in
Free Shrinkage deflection because of creep of concrete. It
≥0 8.000E-04
Strain affects deflection and camber calculation
only.
Ec (tension) Effective tension modulus of elasticity of
>0 2500 the concrete used in the decks. This affects
deflection due to shrinkage
See the section entitled Beam Deflection and Camber in Chapter 2 for a de-
scription of beam deflection and camber.
B6 Vibration
Table B6 lists the composite beam overwrite items available for Vibration.
B - 10
Table B-6: Composite Beam Overwrites for Vibration

Possible Default
User Defined or Toggle to select user defined or program
Neff Condition Program User Defined calculated based on beam spacing, N effec-
Calculated tive.
No. Effective Effective number of beams resisting a heel
≥1 1.0
Beams drop impact.
See the section entitled Floor Vibration in Chapter 2 for a description of beam
vibration.
B7 Miscellaneous
Table B-7 lists the composite beam miscellaneous overwrite items.
Table B-7: Composite Beam Overwrites for Miscellaneous Items
Possible Default
Toggle to select if the beam depth is to be
Consider Beam considered in an auto select section list. If
Yes/No No
Depth? yes, maximum and minimum depths must
be input.
Maximum actual (not nominal) beam depth
Maximum
>0 44 inches to be considered in an auto select section
Depth
list.
Minimum actual (not nominal) beam depth
Minimum Depth ≥0 0
to be considered in auto select section list.
Maximum Maximum percent composite connection
>0 100
PCC(%) considered for the beam.
Minimum PCC Minimum percent composite connection
>0 25
(%) considered for the beam.
Reducible live load is multiplied by this
LL Reduction factor to obtain the reduced live load. If
0<, >1.0 1.0
Factor zero is selected, the program calculated
valued is used.
Reaction Multiplier applied to the earthquake portion
0<, >1.0 1.0
Factor of the load in a design load combination.
B - 11
Table B-7: Composite Beam Overwrites for Miscellaneous Items

Possible Default
This item is Yes if the story level similarity
Ignore
Yes/No No (to a master story level) is to be ignored
Similarity?>
when designing the beam.
B - 12
Bibliography
Allen, D. E. and Murray, T. M., 1993, "Design Criterion for Vibrations due to
Walking," Engineering Journal, 4th Qtr, AISC, pp. 117-129.
Allen, D. E., and J.H. Rainer. 1976. Vibration Criteria for Long Span Floors.
Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering. Vol. 3, No.2. June.
Allen, D.E., J.H. Rainer, and G. Pernica. 1979. Vibration Criteria for Long Span
Concrete Floors. Vibrations of Concrete Structures. Publication SP-60.
American Concrete Institute. Detroit, MI.
Allen, D.L. 1974. Vibrational Behavior of Long Span Floor Slabs. Canadian
Journal of Civil Engineering. Vol. 1, No. 1. September.
Boresi, A. P., 1985. Advanced Mechanics of Materials, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ISBN 0-471-88392-1.
EN 1990:2002. Eurocode 0 — Basis of Structural Design (includes Amendment

A1:2005), European Committee for Standardization, rue de Stassart, 36,
B-1050 Brussels. 2002.
EN 1993-1-1:2005. Eurocode 3: Design of Steel Structures – Part 1-1: General

Rules and Rules for Buildings, European Committee for Standardization,
rue de Stassart, 36, B-1050 Brussels. May 2005.
Bibliography - i
EN 1994-1-1:2004. Eurocode 4: Design of Composite Steel and Concrete

Structures – Part 1-1: General Rules and Rules for Buildings, European
Committee for Standardization, rue de Stassart, 36B-1050 Brussels. 2002.
February 2005
CSI, 2012. CSI Lateral Load Manual, Computers and Structures, Inc., 1995
University Avenue, Berkeley, California, 94704.
Murray, T. M., Allen, D. E. and Unger, E. E., 1997, "Floor Vibrations due to
Human Activity," AISC Steel Design Guide Series 11.
Murray, T.M. 1991. Building Floor Vibrations. Engineering Journal. American

Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. Vol. 28, No. 3.
Murray, T.M. 1975. Design to Prevent Floor Vibration. Engineering Journal.

American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc. Vol. 12, No. 3.
Murray, T.M. 1981. Acceptability Criterion for Occupant-Induced Floor Vi-

brations. Engineering Journal. American Institute of Steel Construction,
Inc. Vol. 18, No. 2.
Murray, T.M. and W.E. Hendrick. 1977. Floor Vibrations and Cantilevered
Construction. Engineering Journal. American Steel Institute of Steel Con-
struction, Inc. Vol. 14, No. 3.
Naeim, F. 1991. Design Practice to Prevent Floor Vibration. Steel Tips, Tech-
nical Information & Product Service. Structural Steel Educational Council.
September.
Vogel, R. 1991. “LRFD-Composite Beam Design with Metal Deck,” Steel Tips,
Technical Information & Product Service, Steel Committee of California,
March.
ii Bibliography

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Composite Beam Design Manual

ISO ETA032913M46 Rev 0

Copyright  Computers and Structures, Inc., 1978-2013

The CSI Logo®, SAP2000®, and ETABS®are registered trademarks of

The computer programs SAP2000® and ETABS® and all associated

No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by

Further information and copies of this documentation may be obtained from:

Computers and Structures, Inc.

Phone: (510) 649-2200

CONSIDERABLE TIME, EFFORT AND EXPENSE HAVE GONE INTO THE

THIS PRODUCT IS A PRACTICAL AND POWERFUL TOOL FOR STRUCTURAL

THE INFORMATION PRODUCED BY THE SOFTWARE MUST BE CHECKED BY

2.10.1 Location Where Effective Slab Width Is

2.17 Number of Shear Studs that Fit in a Composite Beam

2.23 Positive Moment Capacity with an Elastic Stress

3 Design Process 3-1

3.12 Shear Buckling Check 3-40

The design is based on a set of user-specified loading combinations. However,

Composite beam design/check consists of calculating the flexural, axial, and

1.2 Recommended Reading/Practice

Recommended Reading/Practice 1-3

This chapter provides an overview of the basic assumptions, design preconditions,

2.1 Design Codes

Beam Properties 2-1

2.5 Composite Beam Properties

2.5.1 Beam Properties

2-2 Beam Properties

Figure 2-1 Illustration of Composite Beam

The Composite Beam Design postprocessor designs beams that are

Beam Properties 2-3

Beam sections defined using Section Designer are considered as general

2.5.2 Metal Deck and Slab Properties

2-4 Metal Deck and Slab Properties

The weight-per-unit-area of the deck, wd, can be specified. The self-weight of

In the equation, wc is the weight-per-unit-volume of concrete. The first term is

2.5.3 Shear Stud Anchor Properties

 Diameter: The diameter of the shear stud.

Shear Stud Anchor Properties 2-5

The program automatically calculates the strength of a single shear connector

2.5.4 Cover Plates

2.6 Beams Designed as Composite Beams

(a) Section Requirements

Only I-shaped and channel-shaped beams can be designed as composite beams

2-6 Cover Plates

shaped or channel-shaped section and will not allow it to be designed as a

(b) Material Property Requirement

If a beam is to be designed as a composite beam, the Type of Design associated

(c) Beam Orientation

(d) Support and Extent

2.6.1 Frame Elements Designed by Default as Composite

Frame Elements Designed by Default as Composite Beams 2-7

2.6.2 Overwriting the Frame Design Procedure for a

 Composite beam design

 Steel frame design

2-8 Overwriting the Frame Design Procedure for a Composite Beam

Using the composite beam design procedure, out-of-plane bending is not

2.7 How the Program Optimizes Design Groups

Overwriting the Frame Design Procedure for a Composite Beam 2-9

Regardless of whether the optimization is based on weight or cost, if all