Recent research and application of composite steel-concrete beams in China

Composite steel-concrete beams have recently been widely applied in actual constructionin China. In this paper, research work on composite steel-concrete beams in China during the past 20 years is introduced. The concerned specifications of three published design codes are also introduced. Details of the design and construction of some structures built with composite beams are presented: a composite floor system in a power plant building, a 150m span arch bridge with decks of prestressed composite beams, and strengthening of an old reinforced concrete bridge with composite beams to sustain heavier vehicles. Finally, the prospect of composite beams in China and some of the research needed are briefly described.