Composite Construction (Electronic book text)

The use of modern composite materials in construction offers the structural engineer and designer exciting opportunities for all types of buildings and structures. By far the most commonly used and longest established composite material is the combined use of steel and concrete in the form known in most parts of the world as 'composite construction'. Composite Construction takes a comprehensive look at recent developments in this fast growing area. With each chapter written by an acknowledged expert in the field, this book aims to link physical behaviour, engineering approximation, appropriately applied theoretical concepts and design approaches. Composite Construction is not simply a code commentary, nor does it deal with topics purely in terms of developing theory from first principles. Rather, the emphasis is strongly placed on providing both the practising engineer and the student with an understanding of physical behaviour, and the intelligent application of this knowledge in practice