Effect of Partial Connection on the Behavior and Strength of Continuous Composite Beams

Abstract

Composite construction can be defined as the usage of different materials in an optimum geometric configuration with the aim that only the desirable property of each material will be utilized by virtue of its designated position.
This study is concerned with the behavior of continuous composite beams of reinforced concrete and steel shapes taking into consideration the non-linear behavior of the components of the composite section, i.e. (concrete, steel shapes, reinforcing bar, and shear connectors). A theoretical model has been presented to cover the full range of non-linear behavior of such beams allowing for differential movement at the interface i.e., slip and separation.
The compatibility and equilibrium equations have been derived and arrived at four differential equations in terms of four independent displacements. Finite difference method has been used to solve these equations. Comparing with the available experimental data, the application of the current model gives close prediction