Experimental and theoretical study of composite trusses

Abstract The optimal use of the properties of steel and concrete is the advantage of composite constructions made of these materials. Especially, the steel section works efficiently in tension and the concrete part may transfer loads in compression. In composite element, they are acting in common to resist axial forces and bending moments. This structural system behaviour is rather complicate, mainly in the case of steel trusses combined with a concrete deck. Experimental research and numerical simulations based on finite element method are used to analyse the mechanical behaviour of these modern structural members.