Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER
7
Examples of Finite Element
Models of Steel-Concrete
Composite Bridges
7.1 GENERAL REMARKS
Similar to
Chapter 6
, this chapter presents illustrative examples of finite ele-
ment models developed to understand the structural behavior of steel-
concrete composite bridges. The examples are based on the layout, loading,
and design background presented in
Chapters 1-4
as well as based on the
finite element modeling background highlighted in
Chapter 5
. This chapter
is initiated by a brief introduction followed by a review of recent investiga-
tions reported in the literature concerning the modeling of steel-concrete
bridges. This chapter details how the finite element models were developed
and the results obtained. The presented examples show the effectiveness of
finite element models in providing detailed data that complement scarce
experimental data in the field. The results are discussed to show the signif-
icance of the finite element models in predicting the structural response of
the different steel-concrete composite bridges investigated. In overall, it is
aimed to show that finite element analysis not only can assess the accuracy
of the design rules specified in current codes of practice but also can improve
and propose more accurate design rules. It should be noted that the main
issues that differentiate between the finite element models presented in
Chapter 6
and those presented in this chapter are the presence of reinforced
concrete slabs and shear connections. The finite element models addressed in
this chapter will detail how the aforementioned issues are dealt with in the
models based on the material properties highlighted in
Chapter 2
, the design
rules highlighted in
Chapter 3
, and the finite element modeling variables
presented in
Chapter 5
. The author hopes that the review of recent finite
element models reported in the literature together with the illustrative finite
element models developed by the author in this chapter can provide readers
with a complete piece of work regarding the finite element analysis of steel-
concrete composite bridges.
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