The document discusses composite beams, which combine steel beams with concrete slabs to act compositely. It provides examples and discusses the advantages of composite beams over normal steel beams. The performance of composite beams is similar to reinforced concrete beams, but differs in that the steel beam's properties cannot be ignored and shear connection is needed between the steel and concrete. Design of composite beams follows reinforced concrete design methods with modifications. An example problem is provided to demonstrate the design process for a composite beam, including checking the beam properties, shear connectors, and deflection.