Mechanical behavior of a novel compact steel-UHPC joint for hybrid girder bridges: Experimental and numerical investigation

Abstract

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has recently been applied as an alternative to normal concrete in steel-concrete composite structures. In this paper, a novel compact steel-concrete joint with UHPC grout, which utilizes shear connectors, a bearing plate and a simple I-shaped steel girder, is proposed for long-span railway hybrid girder bridges. To investigate the mechanical behavior and force transfer characteristics of the proposed compact steel-UHPC joint (CSUJ), a model test with reduced scale and push-out tests of its main force transfer components were conducted. The specimens' failure model, load-interface slip, and strain development were compared and discussed in detail. Furthermore, a finite element model of the CSUJ was established to investigate the internal damage evolution and the load transfer path. The test results indicated that the steel-UHPC joint possessed excellent axial stiffness and cracking resistance. The axial stiffness before cracking is 2.6 times that of the steel-concrete joint prototype with C60 concrete grout. Upon loading, the filled-in UHPC of the CSUJ was in elastic compression. In the ultimate limit state, the steel-UHPC joint exhibited great integrity, and the ultimate failure mode of the CSUJ was controlled by the adjacent axially loaded steel beam segment. Results of push-out tests showed that the force transfer component with perfobond leiste (PBL) connectors demonstrated greater ductility than other transfer components. In terms of the force transfer rate and uniformity, the proposed CSUJ provides desired stress distribution and force transfer behavior. The shear connectors, bearing plate, and end face of the I-girder transferred 49%, 35%, and 16% of the total axial force, respectively.