Behaviour and design of members and structures utilising high strength structural steel plate with particular emphasis on composite construction

High strength quenched and tempered structural steel whilst having quite significant benefits for strength is essentially only economical for niche applications to solve uniquely specific structural problems. More importantly, whilst the term “high strength” is used, “high performance” steels is the term becoming more widely utilised and accepted as a method of identifying the material. High performance includes improved strength, durability, fire resistance as well as other improved physical and chemical properties. This paper outlines previous research and applications carried out on high strength structural steel beams, columns and structures. Particular emphasis in this paper is placed on the behaviour of composite steel-concrete beams and columns as composite construction applications allow the relaxation of many of the crosssection and member classifications which relate to both local and member stability criteria. Design approaches for the various assemblies are outlined and further research is also discussed