Composite Steel Grider

Composite' means that the steel structure of a bridge is fixed to the concrete structure of the deck so that the steel and concrete act together, thus reducing deflections and increasing strength. This is done using 'shear connectors' fixed to the steel beams and then embedded in the concrete. Composite beams have higher stiffness, thus it has less deflection that steel beams. In other words Composite beams can cover for large space without the need of any intermediate columns. Composite construction is faster because of using rolled steel and pre-fabricated components than cast-in-situ concrete