Some new concepts in the assessment of composite steel and concrete vehicular bridge beams

Abstract

The assessment of existing composite vehicular bridge beams often requires the application of advanced analysis and assessment techniques in order to either extract the maximum stregnth and fatigue life out of a structure or to develop cost effective remedial measures if so required. The following new analysis concepts are discussed in this paper : the partial interaction focal point that enables an accurate determination of the cyclic stresses within a composite beam for the fatigue assessment of the steel and concrete components of the composite beam ; the asymptotic endurace for the assessment of the residual strength and endurance of the shear connectors in existing composite bridge beams; and the local and global splitting of the slabs of composite beams to determine their effect on the dowel strength of the stud shear connectors and subsequently their fatigue endurance.