Ultimate behavior of composite beams with shallow I-sections

Bending behavior of reinforced concrete slabs encased over shallow I-sections at different levels of compression heads were investigated in present study. 1500 mm long I-sections were used to create composite slabs. Compression heads of monolithic experimental members were encased at different levels into the concrete slabs. Shear connections were welded over some of the I-sections. The testing was carried out in accordance with the principles of four-point loading. Results revealed decreasing load bearing and deflection capacities of composite beams with increasing encasement depths into concrete. Mechanical properties of concrete and reinforcing steel were also examined. Resultant stresses calculated for composite beams at failure were found to be less than the yield strength of steel beams. Test results were discussed with regard to shear and slip effect.