Analysis of Structural Types and Mechanical Performance of Steel–Concrete Connections without Cells

Abstract

Steel–concrete connections, as key components of hybrid bridges, present a complex structural type and mechanical behavior. On the basis of the steel–concrete connections in the Lichuan Bridge, a numerical analysis was performed in this work to comprehensively investigate the mechanical performances of each structural component and compare the characteristics of different connector types between two different schemes. Results show that the perfobond strip and stud connectors in the steel–concrete connections of the Lichuan Bridge exhibit a non-uniform mechanical behavior in the direction of the bridge midline. The connectors in the end areas near the bearing plate demonstrate a large inner force. Normal stress on the top flange is neither transversely nor uniformly distributed in the steel–concrete connections under hogging moment, but the arrangement of tendons affects the distribution of normal stress on the top flange. The mutation part of the stiffening ribs in a steel beam shows increased stress concentration. However, the two connector types only slightly influence the stress of concrete and steel flange.