NON-LINEAR BEHAVIOR OF SHEAR CONNECTORS IN CONTINUOUS COMPOSITE BEAMS

Abstract

Analysis of continuous composite beams is one of the most challenging topics in structural engineering. The wide use of the continuous composite beams in bridges and buildings makes rigorous analysis of such structures is a justifiable necessity. The current design methods are oversimplified due the strong non-linear behavior of the materials and the complex behavior of the shear connectors. The present thesis introduces a nonlinear numerical model based on the finite element method. A computer program has been developed to apply this new model to composite continuous beams taking into consideration different sources of non-linearity in the composite materials and the relative potential slip/uplift between the concrete slab and the steal beam. Different configurations of composite simple and continuous beams and different loading patterns are analyzed and the results are introduced in forms of charts and tables. Substantial factors that affect the behavior of the continuous composite beams are clarified by a pilrametric study. The thesis manifests the concluded design and analysis recommendations of continuous composite beams.