How is a composite steel slab modeled?

Extended Question: We are modeling a steel slab supported by inverted T-beams which are welded to the bottom. For design purposes, beam properties should consider the slab as a top flange. If we assign these properties to the beam, how is the slab modeled?

Answer: Once the beams are modeled to include portions of the slab as a top flange, property modifiers may be assigned to the slab shell objects along the beam direction to reduce slab stiffness and weight such that top-flange portions are not double-counted.

A sketch and overview is given as follows:

Figure 1 - Composite slab

See Also

Composite section tutorial

Attachments

Hand sketches (PDF)

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