Take two independent structural member stack one ontop of the other. If there is no horizontal shear between the two member, then they act independent. If horizontal shear stresses act at the interface of the two members, then this system will behave in a composite manner. Concrete by its nature is a composite material. It relies on the shear stress (bonding) between the binder material, aggregates & reinf. to carry loads.
From strenght of material, the shear stress between the contact surfaces is v=VQ/Ib where v is the horizontal shear stress, V is the shear force acting on the section in question, Q is the first moment of area of the member about the centroidal, I is the uncrack moment of inertia and b is the width.
Hope this help.