Deflections of partially composite beams with linear connector density

Abstract A linear partial interaction theory is applied to determine the deflections at midspan of simply supported composite beams with partial shear connection. The differential equations governing the behaviour of beams, when the distribution of connectors along the span is triangular, are developed. The exact solution is found and the results are so arranged that the deflections of partially composite beams are defined as ratios of the corresponding deflections of the equivalent fully composite beams. A design chart for determining the central deflections of beams is constructed. This chart can be used irrespective of variations in type of loading, geometry of beam and properties of materials.