Strengthening Bridges by Developing Composite Action in Existing Non-Composite Bridge Girders

A number of older bridges are constructed with floor systems consisting of a non-composite concrete slab over steel girders. A potentially economical means of strengthening these floor systems is to connect the existing concrete slab and steel girders to permit the development of composite action. This paper presents the results of a study examining methods for doing this using post-installed shear connectors in bridge girders. A series of tests on individual post-installed shear connectors and full-scale beams retrofitted with the post-installed shear connectors were conducted to evaluate structural behavior and develop design recommendations. Results of the research were subsequently implemented in a bridge near Hondo, Texas. This paper provides an overview of this research project and results of laboratory tests and field implementation.