A Rational Model for the Degree of Interaction in Composite Beams with Flexible Shear Connectors*

Abstract

A frequently used concept in the rigid plastic analysis of composite steel and concrete structures with mechanical shear connectors is the degree of shear connection, which is a measure of the strength of the shear connectors. This concept is often used to both gauge the flexural strength of composite beams with few shear connectors and as a guideline to prevent fracture of the mechanical shear connectors through excessive slip. The concept of the degree of shear connection has been expanded into the new concept of the degree of interaction, which allows not only for the degree of shear connection but also for the slip between the steel and concrete element of the composite beam, namely partial interaction.