In order to improve the cracking performance in the negative moment region of composite continuous girder bridges with corrugated webs, engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is used instead of conventional normal concrete (NC). Web and concrete types are used as the main research parameters in experiments. The test results indicate that steel-ECC specimens have a higher flexural load capacity and stiffness than steel-NC specimens. The cracks of steel-ECC specimens are characterised by small width and dense distribution. Nonlinear finite element models are established and verified by experimental results. The simulated load–displacement curves are similar to the experimental ones, and the models have a high degree of accuracy. The ECC slab strength, thickness and width are used as parameters for the investigation to analyse the effect of the ECC slab on the flexural bearing capacity of composite girders. Compared with the results of calculations according to the code, the bearing capacity obtained from the parametric analysis is higher. It suggests that the contribution of the ECC slab needs to be considered when calculating the bearing capacity of the steel-ECC composite girder with corrugated webs.
In order to make full use of the advantages of welded stud and perfobond rib shear connectors, a new type of composite shear connector is proposed. Studs are welded to the perforated steel plate of the PBL connectors. Six specimens were designed and tested to investigate the shear behaviour of the composite connectors. The effects of the hole number, welded stud number, and end-bearing modes on the shear behaviour of the composite connectors were discussed. In addition, the composite connectors were compared with the conventional welded stud and perfobond rib connectors to analyse the difference in shear performance. The composite connectors’ shear behaviours are significantly better than those of welded stud connectors and PBL connectors. The experimental results show that increasing the number of welded studs and perforated holes and end-bearing concrete can significantly improve the shear performance of composite connectors. Secondly, a finite element model was established considering the nonlinearity of the structure and was validated based on the experimental results. Finally, the effects of reinforcement diameter, welded stud diameter, and concrete strength on the shear performance of composite connectors were analysed. The shear resistance increases as the penetrating rebar diameter, welded stud diameter, and concrete strength increase. Moreover, the overall damage level of the concrete can be effectively reduced.
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