Behaviour and design of composite beams subjected to flexure and axial load

Abstract

Composite steel-concrete beams are used frequently in situations where axial forces are introduced. Some examples include the use in cable-stayed bridges or inclined members in stadia and bridge approach spans. In these situations, the beam may be subjected to any combination of flexure and axial load. However, modern steel and composite construction codes currently do not address the effects of these combined actions. This study presents an analysis of composite beams subjected to combined loadings. An analytical model is developed based on a cross-sectional analysis method using a strategy of successive iterations. Results derived from the model show an excellent agreement with existing experimental results. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the effect of axial load on the flexural strength of composite beams. The parametric study is then extended to a number of section sizes and employs various degrees of shear connection. Design models are proposed for estimating the flexural strength of an axially loaded member with full and partial shear connection.