Composite and Steel Construction compendium. Part 3: The concrete flange of a composite beam

The provision of beams with web openings has become a common method of incorporating services within the structural depth of a floor. Although specialist software is available to design such beams, guidance regarding sizing, spacing and best practice is useful for engineers performing scheme design.

The first in a ‘steel construction’ sub-series, this article discusses the often competing demands on the structural designer to balance frame cost against architectural demands and the cost of other building components, such as curtain walling.

Shear connection in steel-concrete composite beams has been the subject of some interest over recent years, with several international research groups reconsidering both the resistance and ductility of shear studs.