Flexural performance of an innovative Hybrid Composite Floor Plate System comprising Glass–fibre Reinforced Cement, Polyurethane and steel laminate

This study explored the flexural performance of an innovative Hybrid Composite Floor Plate System (HCFPS), comprised of Polyurethane (PU) core, outer layers of Glass–fibre Reinforced Cement (GRC) and steel laminates at tensile regions, using experimental testing and Finite Element (FE) modelling. Bending and cyclic loading tests for the HCFPS panels and a comprehensive material testing program for component materials were carried out. HCFPS test panel exhibited ductile behaviour and flexural failure with a deflection ductility index of 4. FE models of HCFPS were developed using the program ABAQUS and validated with experimental results. The governing criteria of stiffness and flexural performance of HCFPS can be improved by enhancing the properties of component materials. HCFPS is 50–70% lighter in weight when compared to conventional floor systems. This study shows that HCFPS can be used for floor structures in commercial and residential buildings as an alternative to conventional steel concrete composite systems.