As part of the Steel Diaphragm Innovation Initiative, eight cantilever diaphragm tests are being conducted at Virginia Tech. So far, three specimens have been successfully tested and the remaining tests are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020. The next specimen to be tested on December 4th of 2019 is a lightweight concrete slab with a total thickness of 6.25 in. and a 3 in. deep steel deck. While most of the specimens to be tested investigate the concrete failure mode of diagonal tension cracking, the purpose of the upcoming test is to investigate the failure of the perimeter fasteners (shear studs).
Most of the project team and interested members from industry are traveling to Blacksburg to participate in the forthcoming test on December 4th. We will let you know what we learn!
This work is led by SDII Ph.D. student Raul Avellaneda.