The analysis of the load distribution between steel and concrete parts of the composite concrete encased I-shaped steel columns subjected to short-term axial load is presented. The variable parameters were: two loading conditions − load scheme I (specimens loaded through the entire cross-section simultaneously), load scheme II (specimens loaded only through the steel profiles protruded from the top end) and concrete class (C25/30 and C40/50). Obtained in the experiment longitudinal strains of both steel and concrete were used to compute the force transferred through the steel and concrete parts of the columns. To provide a reference level for the discussion on the results the analytical solution assuming the perfect bond between steel and concrete, Hooke's law for steel and the Rüsch formula for unconfined concrete were used. The force for which the stress in steel and concrete computed using the strain readings obtained from the experiment starts to deviate from the full bond analytical model predictions can be interpreted as the force for which the loss of adhesive bond occurs. Furthermore on the basis of the equilibrium of the infinitesimal cross section of a column, method for estimating the shear stress at which the debonding occurs is shown. The analysis showed that for columns under the load scheme I composite action of steel and concrete is in effect for the entire load range regardless of the concrete class. For elements under the load scheme II the composite action of both materials is in effect only up to a specific value of the force that changes along the height of the column. Presented method can be applied to composite steelconcrete columns under any configuration of boundary conditions subjected to axial compression. Moreover it can be used to specify the area for which the shear connectors should be provided, to validate constitutive models of shear stressslip behaviour that can be used is FEM analysis and to analyse adhesive bond properties also in columns made of another materials, for example reinforced concrete members strengthened with FRP sheets.