Composite or not? 1

[timothyd]

I have a condition where a contractor would like to encase a steel beam in concrete. The problem is that the steel beam is in a loaded, and overstressed condition. He proposes to reinforce the concrete such that it can carry the entire load and essentially abandon the steel in place. My concern is that he does not want to relieve the load. Therefore, I am having difficulty rationalizing that the existing beam can be abandoned in place in this condition. I first thought that adding shear connectors would be a good idea, so I am I counting on the studs to transfer the load - or am I counting on the beam to act compositely?

 

[rowingengineer]

I'm with hokie and Teguci's first post, the buckling issue is a no issue to me, as long as there is no deflection requirement I see no problems.

ANY FOOL CAN DESIGN A STRUCTURE. IT TAKES AN ENGINEER TO DESIGN A CONNECTION.”