Panelized Serrated Beam Assembly for Composite Shear Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional composite beams and joists in steel construction require separate installation of beams and decking, with shear connectors like headed anchor studs used to transfer horizontal shear forces, which can be inefficient and prone to lateral torsional buckling.
Innovation Solution
The use of beam members with a serrated top flange encased in concrete, where the serrations facilitate horizontal shear transfer between the steel member and the concrete slab, combined with attached decking to form a composite beam and deck assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional shear connectors like headed anchor studs are used to transfer horizontal shear forces, then the beam and deck can be installed as separate elements, but the load transfer efficiency decreases and lateral torsional buckling becomes more prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam and deck into a single integrated assembly where the deck is attached directly to the beam flanges, eliminating the need for separate shear connectors. This integration ensures that the beam and deck act as a unified composite structure, improving lateral torsional buckling resistance while maintaining ease of installation as a pre-assembled unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite beam-deck assembly where the deck material (steel, aluminum, or composite) is bonded to the beam flanges, forming a composite structure that leverages the strengths of both materials. This composite construction improves overall structural reliability and buckling resistance while maintaining the benefits of separate element installation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional shear connectors are used, then beam and deck can be manufactured and installed as separate elements, but the overall installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching the deck to the beam flanges during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled beam-deck unit. This preliminary integration simplifies the on-site installation process, as the complete assembly can be installed as a single unit rather than requiring separate installation and connection steps for the beam and deck.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining the beam and deck into a single integrated assembly during manufacturing, the patent reduces the number of separate installation operations required on-site. The merged assembly can be positioned and secured as one unit, significantly reducing installation complexity and time compared to separate element installation.
3Ease of manufacture
If headed anchor studs are used for shear transfer, then separate beam and deck installation is enabled, but the structural efficiency and composite action are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a true composite beam-deck assembly where the deck is structurally integrated with the beam flanges through direct attachment. This composite construction enables efficient load transfer through the combined action of both materials, achieving superior structural efficiency and productivity compared to separate elements connected by shear connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The merging of beam and deck into a single integrated assembly allows for direct load transfer between the two components without the need for intermediate shear connectors. This unified structure improves load transfer efficiency and composite action, while the pre-assembled nature maintains the advantage of separate element manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the efficiency of load transfer through composite action, mitigates lateral torsional buckling, and simplifies the installation process by integrating the beam and deck into a single assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the headed serrations provide for the transfer of horizontal shear forces between the steel member and the concrete slab
Implementation Method 2
the serrated geometry comprises portions of one or both sides of the top flange of an I-beam being cut out in an alternating pattern
Implementation Method 3
transfer vertical loads through shear and flexural actions along the length of the member
Implementation Method 4
transfer vertical loads applied along the length of the beam member to one or more supports along the length of the member through shear and flexural forces
Data Source
AI summary
A structural beam and deck assembly containing portions of beam members interconnected by a deck assembly. Beam members have horizontal top and bottom flange elements interconnected by one or more vertical web member. The top flange of the beam members is serrated such that a series of serrations protrude horizontally in at least one direction from a top of the one or more vertical web member or are cut-out from the flange of a rolled shape. Adjacent beam and deck assemblies are installed such that attachment of one portion of a beam member to another results in the completed cross section of the beam member. In one embodiment, the serrated top flange and at least a portion of the web member are intended to be encased by a horizontal concrete slab. The slab material is capable of encasing all exposed surfaces of and curing around each serration to transfer horizontal shear forces between the serrated top flange and the slab material such that the beam members and slab behave compositely.