The term ‘composite’ refers to structures where Echo Prestress slabs and in-situ concrete work together to form an integral structural component.

The Echo Prestress slab can be made composite with the supporting beams to increase the overall structural depth of the supporting beams.

Echo Prestress has pioneered the use of Prestressed concrete panels utilizing composite action between the support beams and the slab construction. Echo Prestress have a versatile approach in that various schemes may be proposed using Prestressed Hollow Core slabs in conjunction with the following:

• Reinforced precast beams supplied by Echo

• Cast in-situ reinforced, prestressed or post tensioned beams.

• Structural steel framework with shear connectors welded to the beam to provide composite action.

• Mixed Use – Load bearing masonry perimeter walls with internal in-situ columns and precast beams in composite action with Echo Prestress slabs.

DESIGN SYNOPSIS

As in any composite structure, the design principal is to bond separate elements together to form one element which by virtue of shear interaction, is considerably stiffer than the two elements acting independently.

In the case of Prestressed Hollow Core concrete panels and concrete support beams this shear interaction is provided by steel stirrups projecting above the surface of the beam and transverse shear steel, which facilitates the transfer of the forces between the slab and the beam.

Structural steel beams are provided with shear connectors on the top flange in the form of channels or welded studs to provide the shear interaction.

The support framework is generally designed to support the loads imposed by the Prestressed Hollow Core floor panels and a nominal construction loading with or without the use of props, depending on the budget. Provision is made for continuity steel in the slab across the support beams to accommodate the increased mass imposed by finishes, partitions and super- imposed loading.