Considerable interest has been focused on dual skin composite (DSc) structures in recent years, with its use being investigated for many applications. The behaviour of this structural system, which consists of a concrete were sandwiched between two steel plates, is relatively complex and its response can be markedly nonlinear even at working loads. This nonlinear behaviour is governed by a number of factors which include concrete cracking and crushing, yield of the steel plates and deformation of the stud connectors. This paper describes a three dimensional finite program, developed to analyze DSc structures, which incorporates elements and material models that are able to simulate the above factors. The material models and elements are described in turn together with the method by which they are combined to simulate DSc structures. A concrete model which uses a combination of nonlinear hardening plasticity theory and a non-orthogonal cracking formulation is described as is a new model for interfaces connected with headed studs. Examples of the analysis of some experimental tests are presented along with comparisons with the test data. A critical appraisal of the models is made together with some suggestions for future developments.

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