Evaluation of the Eurocode 4 methods for composite slabs with profiled steel sheeting

In Eurocode 4 Part 1-1 two methods are given for the design of composite slabs, (1) the 'm&k' method and (2) the tau (u) method, both of which may be used for the slabs with a ductile shear connection between the concrete and the sheeting, but the m&k method is applicable to any composite slabs with ductile or non-ductile shear connection. The paper discusses the typical problems encountered when wanting to define the design parameters, i.e, the number of the tests, variables influencing the resistance and what has been observed both experimentally and theoretically. Typical test slab behaviour is introduced, and the validity of the ductility definition in classifying the behaviour is discussed.