Behavior of composite beams prestressed with external tendons: Experimental study

The paper deals with the failure mechanisms and behavior of composite steel–concrete beams prestressed with external tendons and subjected to positive bending. Experimental tests were carried out on beams with straight and draped tendons as well as on a non-prestressed beam. Six simply supported beams subjected to a positive static bending moment were tested up to failure. The influence of shear connection flexibility was taken into account and slip was measured along the beam axis. Concurrently, push-out specimens were made and tested to determine shear force vs. slip curves. It was found that at the same eccentricity of tendons (draped or straight without saddle points) the tendon shape has no significant effect on the behavior and ultimate resistance of composite steel–concrete beams. It is also shown that steel–concrete bond cohesion can significantly influence the behavior of the shear connection in composite beams. This influence is comparable with the design shear resistance of a single stud connector.