In the majority of recent studies the dynamic behaviour of significant elements in the system has been overlooked. Furthermore, current codes are unable to suggest clear and realistic approaches. Therefore a proven method of analysis needs to be undertaken to provide better predict the vibration characteristics in composite steel-concrete beam systems. This research takes advantage of the finite element package ABAQUS to describe a study of the dynamic behaviour of isolated and coupled composite steel- concrete beam systems under free vibration analysis. This report also includes several chapters describing theoretical investigations, computer modelling, evaluation of the results, and recommendations for further study. The first six isolated beams of different lengths are simulated and analysed, and then 24 coupled composite beams are simulated and analysed by considering different length girders at differing distances. The purpose of this study is to derive a theoretical and analytical analysis to predict realistic concepts, and present an active mode in composite steel-concrete beam systems instead of the combined modes.

Many older structures were designed for static loads but more recently there has been a growing awareness that some must be designed to resist both dynamic impact and static loads. An accidental impact load can be caused by mishaps in industry as well as accidents stemming from transportation or man-made disasters. Structural components can be subjected to a range of deliberate impact loads such as military activity or terrorist attacks. A large proportion of the surfaces of concrete structures are covered by reinforced concrete slabs. Slabs are often slender elements, which means they are vulnerable to flexural, shear, or a combination of both modes of failure when subjected to impact loading. There are a number of ways of predicting how an impact load will affect a concrete slab, some of which may be impractical or expensive but because there have been significant developments in technology, numerical techniques rather than experimental approaches have become popular methods for developing detailed responses.