Torsional effect on composite Beams Abstract Composite beam is one of the main components of composite structures.

It has many advantages that encourage the designers to solve their structural problems with. It might exist in the two forms simply supported or continuous sustaining different types of loading. Many researches investigated the behavior of composite beams either analytically or experimentally under shear with negative or positive bending moment. The different codes of practice introduced design aids and reduction factors for the different loading types of composite beams. For instance, a reduction factor for the shear connectors were suggested when it exists in composite slab with corrugated steel sheet and when it exists in a hogging moment region. No change in the design factors were mentioned in any code when the composite beam is subjected to torsion, although torsion can exist on the beam in many cases; an edge beam or a beam between unequal spans. In this thesis, a complete study of composite beams subject to different loading combinations including torsion is presented. An experimental investigation was performed to check the change in the behavior of the composite section when torsion is applied and to study the effect on the stud shear connector. A detailed numerical study and an A finite element model using ANSYS program was presented to simulate the composite section with the stud shear connector. The model was introduced for sections with solid slabs and composite slabs with corrugated steel sheet. Reliable results were obtained in both cases. The accuracy of the results was checked with some available numerical and experimental data. The section was then exposed to torsion, and the change in the behavior was noticed. The effect of a wide range of important parameters was studied on composite beams when they were exposed to two different loading combinations; Shear, torsion accompanied by positive or negative bending. An experimental program consists of thirteen push-out specimens and two full scale composite beams were performed. Some modifications were made to the push-out specimens to achieve the desired shape which helped in performing the planned different loading schemes in the experimental program. The specimens were tested under pure shear, shear and torsion, shear with torsion and negative bending moment. Stud position and the loading sequence were examined in the specimens exposed to torsion as well. The two full scale composite beams were designed and supported in the lab in a way that each one simulates half of a composite panel rested on steel I-beams. The beams were tested under the effect of shear, torsion and positive bending moment. Interesting results were discussed concerning this study. The most critical loading combination was the shear, torsion and negative bending moment. A reduction of about 50% in the carrying capacity of the stud shear connector was found, and recommendation to the codes of practice was suggested for a reduction factor in this case. No danger was noticed in the stud behaviour when the composite section exposed to torsion, shear and positive bending. The experimental results were also verified using the proposed finite element model.