Abstract
Compound beams are generally formed by welding or bolting steel elements to the flanges of an 9 I-section or universal beam. A compound beam is used where the depth is limited and the universal 10 beam is not strong enough to resist the bending stresses. Steel plates or other steel elements are 11 welded or bolted on both flanges of the I-section to enhance its capacity. The purpose of the study 12 is to determine the suitability of using an adhesive as an alternative to bolting or welding in 13 fabricating compound beams. Unlike welding and bolting, adhesive bonding eliminates stress 14 concentration and residual stresses, however, adequate bonding techniques are required if this 15 method is to be applied more widely. Two series of compound cross-sections of four specimens 16 each were fabricated and tested in flexure under a two-point loading, and the results compared to 17 the theoretical plastic capacity of the compound section. Of the eight specimens tested, six failed 18 by flexural yielding, proving that adhesives can serve as a suitable alternative to bolting and 19 welding in manufacturing a compound beams.