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On the Beam Section Setup Data tab you can define the concrete slab details.
For a profiled metal deck flooring, you can choose the specific profile from the drop list of cross sections. Note that this list can be added to in the 'Open Library' tab if your particular cross section is not currently included. The thickness of the profile can be specified and whether the profile is continuous over the beam (considered as adding to the transverse reinforcement). The percentage of deck contribution can be modified, depending on the distance 'a' between the centre of the studs and the end of the sheeting. For 'a' =1.65 d (stud diameter) a deck contribution value of 69% is used, for 'a' = 2d use 78%, for 'a' = 2.5d use 90% and for 'a' =2.9d use 100%.
Details of the concrete slab are entered. The wet density is in kg/m3. The modular ration between the steel and concrete can be defined as 10, 15 or 'auto' where the program will automatically calculate the ratio. When the composite action is being considered, the program will assume a contribution of the concrete slab as beam span/8 each side of the beam. You can override this concrete slab distance to each side by inputting your own dimension in mm. This is particularly useful if the slab is limited by openings in the floor close to the composite beam.
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For a solid slab or hollowcore slab, select 'Solid Slab' from the drop list of profiles. Enter the overall depth of the slab. If a hollowcore unit is being employed, enter the dimensions for the unit. These will be used to calculate the weight of the floor slab.
During construction stage, the beam could be considered to have lateral restraint depending on the construction method. If this is the case, you can add a number of lateral restraints to reduce the effective length of the beam and hence increase its buckling moment capacity.
It can also be the case that the slabs are propped during construction. Add the number of props to alter the loading on the beam in the construction stage.