Flexural Behavior of Infilled Steel Concrete Composite Sections Using Expanded Clay Aggregates

This research focuses on investigating the flexural behavior of in-filled steel–concrete composites, with a specific emphasis on incorporating lightweight aggregates as a partial replacement and introducing one percent of steel fiber. The study aims to achieve a dual objective: reducing the self-weight of the concrete structure and enhancing its strength. Utilizing lightweight aggregates is instrumental in achieving a substantial reduction in the composite structure’s self-weight, thereby minimizing the structural load on the foundation and supporting elements. The addition of steel fibers, at a modest 1% volume fraction, plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall structural performance. Observations indicate an increase in compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength as a result of steel fiber reinforcement, emphasizing its significance for the structural integrity of the composite, particularly in scenarios involving dynamic or lateral loads. The combination of lightweight aggregates and steel fibers emerges as a promising approach in the development of in-filled steel–concrete composites. The lightweight aggregates effectively reduce the self-weight of the structure, while the steel fibers contribute to enhancing the mechanical properties of the composite, establishing it as a viable construction option across various applications.