Advancing Sustainable Composite Flooring: Cold-Formed Steel and Timber Systems for Residential and Mid-rise Applications

Karki, D; Far, H

Advancing Sustainable Composite Flooring: Cold-Formed Steel and Timber Systems for Residential and Mid-rise Applications

Karki, D Far, H

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Publisher:: Sustainable Development Press Limited
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Sustainable Structures, 2025, 5, (4), pp. 000089-1-000089-20
Issue Date:: 2025-12-08

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Karki, D
dc.contributor.author	Far, H https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3480-6582
dc.date.accessioned	2025-12-08T22:55:06Z
dc.date.available	2025-10-08
dc.date.available	2025-12-08T22:55:06Z
dc.date.issued	2025-12-08
dc.identifier.citation	Sustainable Structures, 2025, 5, (4), pp. 000089-1-000089-20
dc.identifier.issn	2789-3111
dc.identifier.issn	2789-312X
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/190877
dc.description.abstract	This paper introduces and verifies advanced three-dimensional finite element (FE) models for lightweight composite flooring systems composed of cold-formed steel (CFS) joists combined with structural plywood sheathing. The numerical models, developed in ANSYS, incorporate both material and geometric nonlinearities, simulate the load–slip response of mechanical fasteners, and include realistic contact definitions to capture the interaction between different components. The models were rigorously benchmarked against full-scale experimental tests, demonstrating strong agreement in terms of load–deflection behaviour, strain distribution along the section depth, and observed failure mechanisms. Building on this validation, extensive parametric analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of key design parameters, such as joist wall thickness, section depth, and the spacing of shear connectors. The findings confirm that increasing the thickness and depth of the steel joists enhances the flexural stiffness and load capacity of the flooring system, while closer fastener spacing improves composite action and overall structural efficiency. Finally, a simplified design example is provided to illustrate the proposed method for estimating bending resistance and serviceability deflection in such composite floors.
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	Sustainable Development Press Limited
dc.relation.ispartof	Sustainable Structures
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.54113/j.sust.2025.000089
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	Advancing Sustainable Composite Flooring: Cold-Formed Steel and Timber Systems for Residential and Mid-rise Applications
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	5
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology/School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/UTS Groups/Centre for Built Infrastructure Resilience (CBIR)
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	true
dc.date.updated	2025-12-08T22:55:04Z
pubs.issue	4
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	5
utslib.citation.issue	4

Abstract:

This paper introduces and verifies advanced three-dimensional finite element (FE) models for lightweight composite flooring systems composed of cold-formed steel (CFS) joists combined with structural plywood sheathing. The numerical models, developed in ANSYS, incorporate both material and geometric nonlinearities, simulate the load–slip response of mechanical fasteners, and include realistic contact definitions to capture the interaction between different components. The models were rigorously benchmarked against full-scale experimental tests, demonstrating strong agreement in terms of load–deflection behaviour, strain distribution along the section depth, and observed failure mechanisms. Building on this validation, extensive parametric analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of key design parameters, such as joist wall thickness, section depth, and the spacing of shear connectors. The findings confirm that increasing the thickness and depth of the steel joists enhances the flexural stiffness and load capacity of the flooring system, while closer fastener spacing improves composite action and overall structural efficiency. Finally, a simplified design example is provided to illustrate the proposed method for estimating bending resistance and serviceability deflection in such composite floors.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/190877