Analysis of Steel–Concrete Composite Beam with an Innovative Connector Made of Corrugated Metal Sheet and Shot Nails

This article analyses the possibility of the application of advanced fasteners in the construction of steel–concrete composite beams. The fasteners were made of corrugated metal sheet with a thickness of 1.00 mm, were in a dovetail shape, and had 2 or 4 shot nails in a single sheet fold. The nails were shot through the sheet into the flange of the steel I section. The 7.5 m-long beam was subjected to an experimental bending test. Based on the test results, the load-bearing capacity and failure mode of the beam were identified, enabling an evaluation of the feasibility of employing beams with innovative connectors in the construction of lightweight ceilings. A numerical model of the beam was constructed in ADINA using findings from experimental studies. A concrete material model, which considers both post-cracking and crushing behaviour and which enabled the identification of critical failure zones, was implemented. The beam connectors demonstrated sufficient load-bearing capacity, whereas the concrete slab was identified as the weakest component within the composite beam assembly. The proposed solution can be suitable for use as a fastener in steel–concrete composite ceiling structures in small utility public buildings. In accordance with Eurocode 4 requirements, the floor beam can carry a load of up to 5.7 kN/m2.