This overview explains the Composite Beam Section Design Module, highlighting:

• Fundamental input parameters
• Summary of design results
• Important detailed equations in the calculation sheet
• Code support and configuration options

Code of Practice Support

The module currently supports:

• Europe -Eurocode 4-2004
• South Africa – SANS 10162-1:2011
• United States – AISC 360 – 16 (LRFD)

Fundamental Input Parameters

• Deck Configuration
  • You may choose:
    • No deck
    • Flat deck
    • Ribbed deck:
      • Parallel to beam
      • Perpendicular to beam
    • Corrugated deck:
      • Parallel
      • Perpendicular

The module provides a dimensional sketch reference to guide correct input of deck dimensions.

• Steel Section Selection
  • The module supports:
    • Standard I-sections and H-section if you have selected the South African Code of Practice

• Concrete Slab Parameters
  • You must define:
    • Slab thickness
    • Effective width (as per code guidelines)

The effective width is calculated according to Eurocode provisions for composite action.

• Reinforcement
  • The following are available to define the reinforcement:
    • Enter the area of reinforcement directly, or
    • Input:
      • Bar diameter
      • Bar spacing

The module will then automatically calculate the area of steel provided.

• Shear Connectors
  • Shear connection is provided to transmit the longitudinal shear force between the concrete and the structural steel element. Ignoring the effect of natural bond between the two elements.
  • You have two options:
    • Manual Strength Input
      • If product-specific technical data is available, you can:
        • Enter the connector strength directly
    • Automatic Calculation
      • Specify:
        • Shank height
        • Diameter
        • Yield strength

The module calculates connector resistance according to the code selected.

• Percentage Shear Connection
  • You may:
    • Specify a percentage shear connection, or
    • Enter the number of shear connectors, and the module will determine the percentage connection per code requirements.

Load Input

Moments and shear forces are entered in the Loads Table.

Sign convention:

You can input:

• Bending moments
• Shear forces
• Multiple load cases

Summary of Design Results

Results Tab Overview

The first tab provides a summary of:

• Sagging resistance
• Hogging resistance
• Vertical shear resistance
• Shear connector resistance

Design Philosophy

All PROKON composite modules are based on:

Rigid Plastic Theory

Therefore, schematic stress block diagrams are shown for:

• Sagging (positive bending)
• Hogging (negative bending)

These illustrate:

• Compression zone
• Tension zone
• Neutral axis location

Load Case Results Tab

This tab identifies:

• Critical load case for sagging
• Critical load case for hogging
• Critical load case for shear

For each case, it displays:

• Applied action
• Design resistance
• Percentage utilization

This allows quick identification of governing conditions.

Checks Summary Tab

The Summary Tab shows:

• Pass / Fail status
• Code compliance verification
• Governing limit states

All checks are performed in accordance with code of practice selected

Calculation Sheet (Calcsheet)

The Calcsheet includes:

A. Project-Specific Input Parameters

• Steel section properties
• Slab dimensions
• Reinforcement
• Shear connector details
• National Annex parameters

Summary of Design Results

• Plastic moment resistance (sagging & hogging)
• Shear resistance
• Shear connector capacity
• Percentage shear connection

Detailed Equations Displayed

The Calcsheet provides detailed equations for:

• Shear connectivity
• Plastic resistance moment
• Vertical shear resistance
• Connector resistance

This ensures:

• Transparency
• Code traceability
• Submission-ready documentation

Key Engineering Insight

• Sagging regions rely on composite compression in the slab
• Hogging regions require reinforcement to resist tension
• Shear connectors control composite interaction
• Percentage shear connection significantly influences capacity