This study presents an experimental investigation performed to investigate the using of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) as an alternative to negative reinforcement in continuous RC thin slab panels. More rational way has been used by replacing negative reinforcement near interior supports by steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). Tests were carried out on four slab panels, simply supported under single point loading. One of which were made fully with NSC, and the others were made partially with SFRC in negative moment zone. Experimental results show that the ultimate load capacity are increased (23% -58%) and the cracking loads are increased (25% -62.5%) for tested specimens strengthened with SFRC, in comparison with the reference specimens. Crack arrest mechanism of steel fibers limits crack propagation, improves the ultimate and tensile strength. So, more practical technique can be concluded from this study and employed in manufacturing of thin slabs.
Composite beams, made up of a concrete slab and steel in the IPE steel section, are commonly used in bridges and buildings. Their main function is to enhance structural efficiency by merging the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile resistance of steel, thereby improving overall stiffness, ductility, and load-bearing capacity. This study offers an extensive review of the flexural behavior of steel-concrete composite beams, focusing on the interplay of concrete strength, shear connector types, and interaction levels in determining structural performance. It integrates experimental and numerical research to analyze critical parameters, including load-deflection behavior, shear transfer efficiency, and crack propagation at the steel-concrete interface. The study emphasizes the effect of concrete compressive strength, particularly in ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and lightweight concrete, on stiffness, ductility, and load-bearing capacity while reducing self-weight and enhancing sustainability. The study revealed that fully bonded shear connectors, using CFRP sheets and welded plates, enhance flexural capacity and stiffness. In contrast, partial bonding or pre-debonding reduces performance due to crack propagation. Indented and hot-rolled U-section connectors enhance interaction and minimize slip, while uniform distribution of shear connectors optimizes load capacity and stiffness. Lightweight concrete decreases slab weight without compromising performance, and high-performance materials such as ECC, SFRC, and UHPFRC improve strength and ductility. Numerical modeling, particularly finite element methods, and higher-order beam theories validate experimental results, providing accurate tools for predicting structural behavior under various loading and environmental conditions.