Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute October 2008

CSSBI S3-2008:
Criteria for the Design of Composite Slabs
Copyright © October 2008. All rights reserved. This publication, or any part thereof, may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. ISBN 978-1-895535-69-3

Preface 1. General
One of the objects of the CSSBI and its Members is This bulletin contains design criteria, based
the Development of standards which promote safety, on limit states, for composite slabs made of a
performance and good practice. This bulletin is structural concrete placed permanently over
intended to assist designers of composite slabs by composite steel deck. See CSSBI 12M
providing contemporary design criteria. Standard for Composite Steel Deck for
information on the steel deck acting as a
The material presented has been prepared for the form during construction. See CSSBI S2-2008
general information of the reader. While the material Criteria for the Testing of Composite Slabs for
is believed to be technically correct and in information concerning testing of composite
accordance with recognized practice at the time of slabs. The full capacity of the composite
publication it does not obviate the need to determine slab is not achieved until the concrete has
its suitability of a given situation. Neither the attained its specified compressive strength.
Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute nor its
Members warrant of assume liability for the suitability 2. Limit State of Strength
of the criteria for any general or particular application. The strength of a composite slab is usually
limited by one of the following resistance
This publication replaces the previous edition dated limit states: (a) shear-bond; (b) flexure of
March 2002. an under-reinforced section; (c) flexure of an
over-reinforced section; and (d) punching
Acknowledgements shear with concentrated loads.
The Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute would like
to acknowledge the contributions of the following 3. Loads and Safety Criterion
persons who, along with various industry personnel, All factored resistances determined herein shall
provided the input necessary to the development of be equal to or greater than the effect of the
this bulletin: factored loads, determined in accordance with
Prof. R.M. Schuster, P.Eng. the National Building Code of Canada 2005.
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario 4. Resistance Factors
The following resistance factors shall apply:
Mr. T.W.J. Trestain Shear-bond φv = 0.70
T.W.J Trestain Structural Engineering Steel deck φs = 0.90
Toronto, Ontario Concrete φc = 0.65

This Standard makes reference to the following: 5. Shear-Bond Resistance

National Building Code of Canada 2005 The ultimate shear-bond resistance of a
composite slab section shall be calculated
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) using parameters determined from a testing
CSA-A23.3-04 Design of Concrete Structures program of full-scale slab specimens. The
factored shear-bond resistance (Vr) of a
Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute composite slab shall be determined by the
CSSBI 12M-08 Standard for Composite Steel Deck following expression:
Vr = φvVt
CSSBI S2-2008Criteria for the Testing of Composite
Slabs (1)

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Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute 2 October 2008

Where, Whereas the ratio that denotes a balanced

Vr = factored shear-bond resistance, condition is:
N/m of slab width 711(h-dd)
Vt = tested shear-bond resistance, (c/d)b = (5)
N/m of slab width (711+fy)d
Where,
The basic equation used to determine the As = area of steel deck, mm2/m of
tested shear-bond resistance is one of the slab width
following: b = unit width of compression face
Vt = bd[k1t/l’+ k2/l’+ k3t + k4] (2) of composite slab (1000 mm)
or, c = distance from extreme
Vt = bd[k5/l’+ k6] (3) compression fibre to composite
neutral axis, mm
Where, d = distance from extreme
b = unit slab width = 1000 mm compression fibre to centroid of
d = effective slab depth (distance steel deck, mm
from extreme concrete dd = overall depth of steel deck
compression fibre to centroidal profile, mm
axis of full cross-section of steel
fc’ = specified compressive strength of
deck), mm concrete, MPa
l’ = shear span, mm; for uniform fy = specified yield strength of steel
load, l’ is one quarter of the span deck, MPa
t = base steel design thickness, mm h = nominal out-to-out depth of
k1, k2, k3, and k4 are shear-bond slab, mm
coefficients obtained from a α1 = 0.85 – 0.0015fc’ ≥ 0.67
multi-linear regression analysis β1 = 0.97 – 0.0025fc’ ≥ 0.67
of test data from three or more
deck thicknesses 6.1 Under-reinforced Slabs (c/d) < (c/d)b
k5 and k6 are shear-bond coefficients The factored moment resistance, in positive
obtained from a linear regression bending, of an under-reinforced composite
analysis of test data for one slab shall be taken as:
individual deck thickness
Testing procedures used to determine the Mru = φsAsfy(d - a/2) (6)
shear–bond coefficients are given in CSSBI S2-
2008 Criteria for the Testing of Composite Slabs. Where, φsAsfy
α1φcfc’b
a=

Equation (6) is valid only for composite

6. Flexural Resistance
slabs capable of developing the yield stress
Composite slabs subject to flexural failure
over the entire deck section. In some
are generally classified as under-reinforced
instances the strain compatibility of the slab
or over-reinforced slabs depending on the
cross-section or the ductility of the steel
compression depth ratio, (c/d). Slabs with
does not permit yielding over the entire
(c/d) less than the balanced condition ratio
deck section. Equation (6) does not
(c/d)b are considered under-reinforced,
account for steel reinforcement in addition
whereas slabs with (c/d) greater than or
to the steel deck and does not account for
equal to (c/d)b are considered over-
the case where a portion of the deck section
reinforced. The actual ratio is:
lies on the compression side of the
φsAsfy composite slab neutral axis. For those cases
α1φcfc’dbβ1
(c/d) = (4)
where equation (6) does not apply, the
factored moment resistance shall be based
on a detailed strain compatibility analysis.
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Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute 3 October 2008

6.2 Over-reinforced Slabs (c/d) ≥ (c/d)b supplementary reinforcement, and only

The factored moment resistance, in positive the concrete section above the deck
bending, of an over-reinforced composite corrugations shall be considered effective,
slab shall be determined by: unless tests indicate conclusively that
other assumptions are valid.
Mro = α1φcfc’bβ1c(d- β1c/2) (7)
The effective width of the slab in the

{ √ρm + (ρm2 ) - ρm
Where, transverse direction shall be determined

}
2
c=d from tests or detailed analysis.
2
φsEsεcu 8. Punching Shear Resistance
ρ=
As
α1φcfc’β1
; m= ; The critical surface for calculating punching
bd
εcu = 0.0035
shear shall be perpendicular to the plane of
Es = 203 000 MPa; the slab and located outside of the periphery
of the concentrated load or reaction area but
Equation (7) is valid only for composite not further than 0.50hc from the periphery
slabs where no part of the steel deck has of the concentrated load or reaction area.
yielded. If yielding of the steel deck does Figure A1 of Appendix A illustrates this
occur, Mro may be determined by a detailed loading condition. The factored punching
strain compatibility analysis and/or test. shear resistance, Vpr, shall be determined as
follows:
6.3 Continuous Slabs
Where composite slabs are designed for Vpr = (1+2/βc)0.2φcλ√fc’bohc (8)
continuity over supports, the factored
moment resistance in negative bending shall Where,
be determined as in conventional reinforced bo = perimeter of critical section, mm
concrete design in accordance with CSA- hc = thickness of concrete cover above
A23.3, Design of Concrete Structures. The steel deck, mm
contribution of the portion of the composite βc = ratio of long to short side of
steel deck in compression may be neglected. concentrated load or reaction area
λ = 1.00 for normal density structural
7. Two-Way Action
concrete
In slabs requiring two-way action for load = 0.85 for semi-low density
distribution, the flexural resistance in the structural concrete
direction transverse to the deck corrugations = 0.75 for low density structural
needs to be calculated. The following two concrete.
cases apply for the determination of this
resistance: In lieu of equation (8), the punching shear
resistance may be determined from tests.
a) Where no supplementary transverse
reinforcement is provided, the flexural
strength shall be taken as that of the
9. Deflection Criteria
plain concrete section above the
corrugations. Any contribution from the 9.1 Flexural Properties for Deflection
steel deck is neglected. Calculations
Composite flexural section properties needed
b) Where supplementary transverse to determine vertical deflections of
reinforcement is provided in the tension composite slabs shall be computed in
zone, equation (6) shall be used if the accordance with conventional elastic theory
slab is under-reinforced. The area of applied to reinforced concrete, transforming
steel, As, shall consist entirely of the steel areas to equivalent areas of concrete.

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Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute 4 October 2008

The following assumptions permit derivation 9.2 Deflection Limitations

of the necessary relationships: Consideration needs to be given to both
immediate and long-time loading.
(i) Plane sections remain plane after Computed maximum deflections shall be
bending; based on the assumptions of Clause 9.1.
(ii) Stresses are proportional to strain in both Maximum permissible computed deflections
concrete and steel at specified loads; are listed in Table 1. Additional deflection
(iii)The entire steel cross section is utilized caused by creep shall be calculated by
except as reduced by holes; multiplying the immediate deflection due to
(iv) The moment of inertia used in deflection the sustained load by the following factor:
calculations, Id , shall be taken as the
average of the cracked, Ic, and (2.0) for load duration of 3 months
uncracked sections, Iu, using the design (2.2) for load duration of 6 months
depth of the slab. Formulae for flexural (2.4) for load duration of 1 year
section properties and moments of (3.0) for load duration of 5 years
inertia are given in Appendix B. or more.

Table 1: Maximum Permissible Computed Deflections(1)

Type of Member Deflection to be Considered Deflection
Limitation
Flat roofs not supporting or attached to Immediate deflection due to specified
nonstructural elements likely to be live load, L, or snow load, S Span/180(2)
damaged by large deflections

Floors not supporting or attached to Immediate deflection due to specified

nonstructural elements likely to be live load, L Span/360
damaged by large deflections

Roof or floor construction supporting That part of the total deflection(4)

or attached to nonstructural elements occurring after attachment of
Span/480(3)
likely to be damaged by large nonstructural elements (sum of the
deflections long-time deflection due to all
sustained loads and the immediate
Roof or floor construction supporting deflection due to any additional live
or attached to nonstructural elements load)
Span/240(5)
not likely to be damaged by large
deflections

(1) Table 1 is duplicate of Table 9-3 of CSA-A23.3-04 except for minor editing of footnotes.
(2) Limit not intended to safeguard against ponding. Ponding should be checked by suitable calculations of
deflection, including added deflections due to ponded water, and considering long-time effects of all
sustained loads, and reliability of provisions for drainage.
(3) Limit may be exceeded if adequate measures are taken to prevent damage to supported or attached
elements.
(4) Long-time deflections are determined in accordance with Clause 9.8.2.5. or 9.8.4.4 in CSA-A23.3-04 and
may be reduced by the amount of deflection calculated to occur before the attachment of nonstructural
elements. This amount shall be determine on the basis of accepted engineering data relating to time-
deflection characteristics of composite slab systems similar to those being considered.
(5) But not greater than the tolerance provided to nonstructural elements.

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Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute 5 March 2002

10. NBC Concentrated Load Criteria suitability of the composite slab involved is
The National Building Code of Canada necessary.
requires that floors be designed for a
specified concentrated live load (given in 12. Shrinkage and Crack Control
Table 4.1.5.10) acting on an area of 750 by Reinforcement
750mm. With a composite slab system, Composite slabs shall have minimum
there will be some lateral distribution of a shrinkage and temperature reinforcement in
concentrated load due to the steel deck accordance with Table 2 unless a greater
acting as slab reinforcement. The exact amount is required by the specified fire
extent to which a concentrated load is resistance rating.
distributed depends on a number of factors;
however, it can be assumed that the load is Where designed for continuity over
distributed down to the center of gravity of structural supports, composite slabs shall
the steel deck. This will give a resulting load have negative moment reinforcement as
distribution area of (750+2d) by (750+2d) required in conventional reinforced concrete.
mm. Figure A2 of Appendix A illustrates When the composite slab is not designed for
this loading condition. continuity over structural supports, the
effects of cracking of the concrete shall be
11. Repeated or Vibratory Loading considered and adequate crack control
Where repeated or vibratory loading is a measures shall be taken where necessary.
factor, adequate test data to substantiate the

Table 2: Minimum Shrinkage and Temperature Reinforcement

Concrete Cover hc = (h – dd) Minimum Area of Reinforcement Required
(mm) (mm2/m of slab width)

hc ≤ 80 60

80 ≤ hc ≤ 150 (3hc – 180)

150 ≤ hc 1.8hc

Notes:
(1) Shrinkage and temperature reinforcement alone is not intended to resist negative bending moments.
Additional reinforcement must be provided as required by a structural design if negative bending is to
be resisted.

(2) The recommended minimum temperature and shrinkage reinforcement, usually in the form of welded
wire mesh, if properly placed and if good concreting practices such as low water/cement ratio, low
slump and proper curing are followed, will often be sufficient to cause the shrinkage and temperature
stresses to be relieved in small local cracks rather than accumulating over greater distances. It is
recommended that the mesh be placed approximately 25 mm below the top surface of the concrete,
particularly in areas of negative moments, such as over supports where bending stresses in the top
portion of the concrete add to the shrinkage.

(3) For applications where a higher degree of crack control is required, the designer should refer to
recognized standards of concrete practice and design such as CSA-A23.3.

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Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute 6 October 2008

NOTATIONS
As area of steel deck, mm2/m of slab width Vt tested shear-bond resistance, N/m of slab
b unit width of compression face of width
composite slab (1000 mm) Vpr factored punching shear resistance, N
bo perimeter of critical section, mm α1 0.85 – 0.0015 fc’ ≥ 0.67
c distance from extreme compression fibre to β1 0.97 – 0.0025 fc’ ≥ 0.67
composite neutral axis, mm βc ratio of long to short side of concentrated
d distance from extreme compression fibre to load or reaction area
centroid of steel deck, mm λ 1.00 for normal density structural concrete
dd overall depth of steel deck profile, mm 0.85 for semi-low density structural concrete
Ec modulus of elasticity of concrete, MPa (see 0.75 for low density structural concrete.
CSA-A23.3-04) φc resistance factor for concrete = 0.65
Es modulus of elasticity of steel deck, φs resistance factor for steel deck = 0.90
(203 000 MPa) φv resistance factor for shear-bond = 0.70
fc’ specified compressive strength of concrete,
MPa
fy Specified yield strength of steel deck, MPa
h overall thickness of composite slab, mm
hc thickness of concrete cover above top of
steel deck, mm
Ic moment of inertia of composite section
based on cracked section and equivalent
area of concrete, mm4/m of slab width
Id moment of inertia used for deflection
calculations = (Ic + Iu)/2
Iu moment of inertia of composite section
based on uncracked section and equivalent
area of concrete, mm4/m slab width
k1,k2 k3,k4 are shear-bond coefficients obtained
from a multi-linear regression analysis of
test data from three or more deck
thicknesses
k5,k6 are shear-bond coefficients obtained from a
linear regression analysis of test data for
one individual deck thickness
l’ shear span of composite slab, mm
Mro factored moment resistance of over-
reinforced composite slab, N.m/m of slab
width
Mru factored moment resistance of under-
reinforced composite slab, N.m/m of slab
width
t base steel design thickness, mm
Vr factored shear-bond resistance, N/m of slab
width

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Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute 7 October 2008

APPENDIX A: Figures

Figure A1: Critical Punching Shear Section

Figure A2: NBC Concentrated Load Condition

Figure A3 Composite Section

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Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute 8 October 2008

APPENDIX B:
Section Properties of Composite Slabs

B.1 General
Using conventional elastic theory and the stated assumptions of Clause 8.1, section properties for
computing vertical deflections of composite slabs are derived in accordance with Figure A3.

B.2 Moment of Inertia of Cracked Section

When ycc is equal to or less than the concrete thickness, hc, above the top of the steel deck, that is,
ycc ≤ hc,

ycc = d {√ 2ρn + (ρn)2 - ρn } (B1)

Where,
d = h - ysb
ρ = As/bd
As = area of gross steel deck section
n = modular ratio, Es/Ec (for Ec, see CSA-A23.3-04)

If ycc > hc, use ycc = hc.

The cracked moment of inertia is:

b
Ic = (ycc)3 + nAs(ycs)2 + nIs (B2)
3
Where,
ycs = d - ycc
Is = moment of inertia of gross steel deck section.

B.3 Moment of Inertia of Uncracked Section

The neutral axis of the uncracked section is determined by
0.5b(hc)2 + nAsd + Wrdd(h-0.5dd) b
Cs
yuc = (B3)
b
bhc + nAs + Wrdd
Cs
Where,
Cs = cell spacing
Wr = average rib width = 0.5(Cs – Bt +Bb)
Bt and Bb are illustrated in Figure A3

The uncracked moment of inertia is:

b(hc)3 (d )2 b
Iu = + bhc(yuc – 0.5hc)2 + Wrdd [ d + (h – yuc – 0.5dd)2] + nIs + nAs(yus)2 (B4)
12 12 Cs
Where,
yus = d - yuc

B.4 Moment of Inertia for Design

I +I
Id = c u (B5)
2

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