Numerical and parametric analysis of precast concrete composite beams with shear pockets and low interface stiffness under bending

Abstract

Full-depth precast deck panels can enhance constructability and productivity while reducing construction costs for highway bridges. This paper presents a finite element model (FEM) for direct shear tests and of precast concrete composite beams with discrete connections made with shear pockets and U-shaped steel connectors. Constitutive laws are proposed for these interfaces to accurately represent the resistance, interface slip, and strain in the U-shaped steel connectors observed during testing. Additionally, a parametric analysis of precast composite beams was conducted to investigate the influence of interface slip, shear interface stiffness, and the degree of shear connection on the flexural strength of composite beams with discrete connections. The results indicate that appropriate constitutive laws are essential for accurately representing the behavior of connections utilizing shear pockets and U-shaped steel connectors. Furthermore, parametric analysis shows that the bending resistance of precast concrete composite beams with discrete connections and low interface stiffness can be estimated using simplified analytical models, independent of the interface stiffness, with results within 15% of those obtained from finite element models.