Publications

The successful interaction between concrete and steel has inspired researchers to develop composite structural systems. Steel and concrete are utilized in various configurations to reduce construction costs and assure optimal load-response behavior. Since the response spectrum of the composite system varies from one system to another, adequate understanding of the composite system behavior is essential to guarantee a desired response. Several parameters affect the flexural capacity and failure mode of a composite section, such as geometry, material properties and bond. In practice, advanced material mechanics and numerical modeling can be utilized for simulating section response, however, variability in the material response hinders accurate prediction. To serve as a benchmark and facilitate optimal composite section design, this paper presents a thorough experimental investigation of four types of composite beams under flexural loading. The first type represents reinforced concrete T-shaped beams confined by structural steel members. The second system comprises steel tubes filled with concrete. The third type consists of an open web steel joist encased in reinforced concrete. The fourth system represents rectangular shaped RC beams strengthened by steel plates. The results confirm the diversity of behavior of composite sections and reveal significant enhancement in the failure mode and flexural behavior as compared to control non-composite sections.