Analysis of composite beams with shear connectors allowing for softening
Abstract
In this paper a new numerical method is presented, which allows for the exact consideration of the nonlinearities introduced in the analysis of steel and concrete composite beams. Experimental data show that the load-deformation curve of the shear connectors which join the steel and the concrete has a nonmonotone behaviour The great influence of the softening branch is demonstrated by the use of a numerical example in which a slender beam spanning 30.0 m is analysed. This analysis shows that, regarding the safety of the steel beam at serviceability state, the consideration of a simple monotone diagram may lead to dangerous conclusions.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Structural Load-Bearing Analysis
Structural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete
Structural Engineering and Materials Analysis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 73–80
- Publication date
- 2 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter