Composite construction

– Structural Engineering:
– Composite construction combines different materials to act as a single unit.
– Composite action occurs when steel beams support concrete floor slabs.
– Firm connection between beam and slab enhances load-carrying capability.
– Studs connecting slab to beam create a larger and stronger composite beam.
– Transformed section calculation aids in analyzing load-carrying capacity.

– Ships:
– 19th-century shipbuilding used iron hull framework covered in timber planking.
– Copper sheathing prevented fouling in composite ships.
– Composite hulls were lighter and allowed more cargo compared to timber.
– Composite construction in ships started with patents in the 1830s.
– Examples of composite ships include HMS Gannet and Cutty Sark.

– House Building:
– Flitch beam construction involves steel plate sandwiched between wood joists.
– Flitch beams support heavier loads over longer spans than all-wood beams.

– Deck Construction:
– Composite wood decking made from wood-plastic composite or FRP.
– Composite decking is durable, versatile, and does not warp or crack.
– Composite steel deck combines steel and concrete for improved design efficiency.
– Composite steel decks can span greater distances with reduced deflection.

– Cement-Polymer Composites:
– Cement-polymer composites are tested as a replacement for traditional cement.
– Traditional cement stucco deteriorates rapidly, leading to cracks.
– 20% crumb rubber can be added to cement mixture for strength and durability.
– Cement-polymer composites tested using ASTM International standards.