Effect of Friction on Shear Connection in Composite Bridge Beams

Abstract

In the design of new composite steel and concrete bridge beams, the shear connectors are assumed to transmit all of the longitudinal shear forces at the interface between the concrete slab and the steel beam. However, in practice, the forces on the shear connectors are modified by friction resistances at the interface. The effect of friction on the fatigue endurance of shear connectors is first illustrated through a specially developed finite-element analysis procedure. Then a simple mathematical assessment model is proposed that allows for the beneficial effect of friction on the fatigue endurance of shear connectors in composite steel and concrete bridge beams. This procedure can extend the design life of the shear connectors in existing composite bridge beams, as it can be used to estimate their remaining endurance and their remaining strength and, if necessary, to determine the effect of remedial work on increasing the endurance of the shear connectors.