Flexural performance of composite beams with a novel laminated slab

This study proposes a composite beam consisting of a novel laminated slab, a narrow flange I‐shaped steel beam, and shear studs. This novel laminated slab requires cast‐in situ concrete only around the edges, allowing for construction without the need for supports. To investigate the flexural performance of the composite beam with the novel laminated slab, a four‐point bending test was performed on two composite beams with the novel laminated slab having different stud spacings, as well as on one conventional composite beam with a cast‐in situ concrete slab. The test results indicate that, with the same shear stud spacing, the bearing capacity of the composite beam with the novel laminated slab is comparable to that of the conventional composite beam. Reducing the shear stud spacing can significantly enhance the bending capacity of the composite beam with the novel laminated slab. The flexural bearing capacity of the composite beam with the novel laminated slab can be predicated by the analytical model provided by the GB 50017‐2017. In addition, a 3D finite element model was developed to investigate the effects of different parameters on the flexural behavior of the composite beam with a novel laminated slab.