Plastic Limited Numerical Modelling on Contact Friction Effects of Steel–Concrete Connection for Composite Bridges

This research employs plastic limit analysis to examine load combinations, contact interactions, and friction effects on steel–concrete connections. A nonlinear finite element model was developed using ABAQUS, incorporating the concrete damage plasticity model and contact friction interactions. The model’s validity was confirmed through laboratory experiments. Results indicate that contact elements and friction between the top flange, concrete slab, and studs significantly influence structural behavior. Unlike conventional push-out tests, real deck–slab connections exhibit different load-displacement responses due to the self-weight and additional loads, such as vehicular traffic. Under horizontal loading, extensive failures with large deformations along the studs occur, while vertically compressive loads lead to failures around the connections.

This creative work has been published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC-BY 4.0) license which allows copying, and redistribution as well as adaptation of the original work provided appropriate credit is given to the original author and the conditions of the license are met.