The Effect of Connection Ductility on Composite Steel–Concrete Bridges

Abstract

Connection behavior significantly influences the design efficiency of steel–concrete composite bridges. This study investigates the impact of shear connectors, specifically headed stud connectors, on the structural response of symmetric and skewed composite steel–concrete bridges. Utilizing bilinear or trilinear slip–shear strength laws for studs, in line with the existing literature and code provisions, a finite element (FE) model is developed. This FE model is applied to a case study for composite deck analysis, incorporating variations in connection strength and ductility for nonlinear analyses. The study assesses ductility demands in connections for symmetric and skewed bridges of varying lengths and angles, considering both ductile and elastic designs. Results emphasize the importance of stud capacity, ductility, and strength on the overall bridge response, analyzing slip and shear trends at the interface. Skewed bridges, crucial for non-orthogonal crossings of roads, are integral to modern transportation infrastructure. However, skewness angles exceeding 20° can result in undesirable effects on stresses in the deck due to vertical loads. The results indicate that shear distribution in studs changes significantly as the skew angle increases, contributing valuable insights into optimizing bridge design. Thus, this research provides a comprehensive analysis of principles, design methodologies, and practical applications for both symmetric and skewed steel–concrete composite bridges, considering various parameters.