Partial interaction between elastically connected elements of a composite beam

Abstract This paper deals mainly with interaction of the elements of composite beams of steel and concrete. An interaction theory which takes account of slip, uplift and friction effects is formulated without, as in existing theories, assuming equal curvatures of the interacting elements. The two resulting simultaneous differential equations connecting the uplift tension arising from differential deflexions of the two elements with the axial force within each of the elements are solved by a finite-difference approach. The results of computations for a typical composite section, for the case of zero interface coefficient of friction but based on experimentally determined shear connection and foundation moduli are presented.