21 COMPOSITE BEAMS – I Steel ...quot; INSDAG（21复合梁我钢u201C）.pdf

COMPOSITE BEAMS - I 21 COMPOSITE BEAMS – I 1.0 INTRODUCTION In conventional composite construction, concrete slabs rest over steel beams and are supported by them. Under load these two components act independently and a relative slip occurs at the interface if there is no connection between them. With the help of a deliberate and appropriate connection provided between the beam and the concrete slab, the slip between them can be eliminated. In this case the steel beam and the slab act as a “composite beam” and their action is similar to that of a monolithic Tee beam. Though steel and concrete are the most commonly used materials for composite beams, other materials such as pre-stressed concrete and timber can also be used. Concrete is stronger in compression than in tension, and steel is susceptible to buckling in compression. By the composite action between the two, we can utilise their respective advantages to the fullest extent. Generally in steel-concrete composite beams, steel beams are integrally connected to prefabricated or cast in situ reinforced concrete slabs. There are many advantages associated with steel concrete composite construction. Some of these are listed below: • The most effective utilisation of steel and concrete is achieved. • Keeping the span and loading unaltered; a more economical steel section (in terms of depth and weight) is adequate in composite construction compared with conventional non-composite construction. • As the depth of beam reduces, the construction depth reduces, resulting in enhanced headroom. • Because of its larger stiffness, composite beams have less deflection than steel beams. • Composite construction provides efficient a