Composite construction

This chapter outlines the use of composite construction, the combining of materials such as steel and concrete in a bridge structure. Composite construction often allows more efficient structures to be conceived than could be achieved by using either steel or concrete on their own. Each material can be used to advantage, concrete in compression areas avoiding buckling problems common in steel, steel in tension areas avoiding cracking issues associated with concrete. The chapter outlines the common forms of composite bridges and outlines the key factors governing their design, particularly at the important material interfaces.