Design of Composite Steel–Concrete Floor & Column System
Design of Composite Steel–Concrete Floor & Column System
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CIVL6264 – University of Sydney
CIVL6264 – University of Sydney
Multi-storey composite floor system
Slab + Secondary Beams + Primary Beams + Composite Columns
AS/NZS 2327 | AS 4100 | AS 3600
Project Overview
Project Overview
This project involved the complete structural design of a composite steel–concrete floor system for a multi-level carpark. The design included composite slab selection, secondary and primary beam design, shear connector detailing, and concrete-filled steel column checks under strength and serviceability criteria.
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
The challenge was to design a structural system that efficiently transfers loads from slab to columns while ensuring composite action, controlling deflections, and meeting both strength and serviceability requirements under realistic loading conditions.
Engineering Scope
Engineering Scope
Composite slab selection (profiled deck + concrete topping)
Secondary beams (simply supported) and primary beams (continuous)
Shear stud design for composite action
Column design including axial capacity and effective length checks
Load path development: slab → beams → columns
Figure 1: Structural layout and load distribution path across composite floor system.
Load path
Load path
Engineering Approach
Engineering Approach
Calculated gravity loads and tributary areas
Developed moment/shear distributions for beam design
Designed for ULS and checked SLS deflections
Selected composite elements to meet performance and constructability
Tools & Analysis
Tools & Analysis
Excel – structural calculations and design checks
Manual design methods based on AS/NZS 2327, AS 4100, AS 3600
Structural diagrams for load path and force distribution
Figure 2: Load transfer path from slab to columns (slab → secondary beams → primary beams → columns), illustrating composite action and force distribution.
Composite Slab & Beam Design
Composite Slab & Beam Design
Figure 3: Composite Slab cross-section
Bending capacity verification (ULS)
Shear capacity checks
Deflection control (SLS)
Shear stud requirements for composite action
Detailing considerations for construction sequence / fire rating
Figure 4. Composite Beam Cross-Section
Composite column design
Composite column design
Axial load calculation from multi-level system
Effective length assumptions and stability checks
Composite axial capacity verification
Serviceability and constructability considerations
Figure 5. Loading & Load Combination Summary
Figure 6. Interaction Curve for Compression and Uniaxial Bending
Key Engneering Outcomes
Key Engneering Outcomes
Verified structural performance under combined bending, shear, and axial actions
Achieved effective composite action through shear connector design
Controlled deflection and serviceability performance for floor system
Developed system-level understanding of slab–beam–column interaction
Ensured design aligned with constructability and practical detailing requirements
Figure 7. BMD of the Secondary beams
Key Learning
Key Learning
Composite systems rely heavily on interaction between steel and concrete, not just individual member strength
Load path clarity is critical for efficient structural behaviour
Serviceability (deflection) often governs floor system design
Column stability depends strongly on effective length and buckling behaviour
Structural design must balance efficiency, constructability, and performance
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