Strength prediction of composite metal deck slabs under free drop weight impact loading using numerical approach and data set machine learning

Abstract

Structural systems may experience negative moments due to dynamic excitations and inertia effects. Composite metal deck slabs are typically designed to withstand positive moments and reinforced at the bottom, with minimal thermal reinforcement at the top. However, under dynamic impact loading, insuncient reinforcement at the upper part may cause these slabs to fail under negative moments. Therefore, this study investigates the performance of composite metal deck slabs under free drop weight impact loading. The research consists of two main parts: generating a data set through finite element simulation analysis and training machines based on the collected data. The LS-DYNA commercial software was used to analyze 165 models with three parameters: slab lengths, striker weights, and striker velocities. In the machine learning component, the Finite element modeling (FEM) results were utilized to train the machines and to accurately predict the performance of these slabs. The outcomes were reported in terms of the maximum negative moment, maximum de ection, and elastic and plastic behaviour of the slab. The study revealed that at high striker velocities, the specimens experienced an ultimate internal negative moment within the range of 60 to 80 kN.m.