NUMERICAL MODELLING OF PARTIAL INTERACTION IN STEEL CONCRETE COMPOSITE BEAMS

Abstract

The strength of the connector and the concrete strength are the major factor that affects the behavior of shear connections. Because of these factors, experimental push-off tests are used to evaluate both the shear capacity and load vs slip curve for different types of connectors. Since the full-scaled push-off tests are costly and time consuming, analytical procedures that are able to predict the non-linear response and the ultimate load capacity of push-off test are developed to replace most of the practical experiments once the verification of the results of analytical methods has been established from the selective, well controlled experimental results. In past because of the complexity of the 3D stress–strain state and the interaction between shear connector and concrete slab, there is little success in the mathematical modeling of the push-off tests. The main objective of this thesis is to create a three-dimensional finite element model using the software ABAQUS to simulate behavior of the different types of connectors, which are frequently used in the composite beams. In this thesis work the push-off test specimen is modeled using ABAQUS and linear/nonlinear behaviors of all components are taken into consideration. First the model created using ABAQUS is validated with the published research works. And after validation of the model created the same model setup is used to ascertain the modes of failure, load–slip behavior and ultimate strength for different types of connector that are mostly used nowadays. Parametric study is done to ascertain the effect of change in grade of concrete, width and height of the connector on load carrying capacity of the connector. Failure load for all different types of connectors modeled is presented.