Numerical Modeling of Steel‐Concrete Composite Girders Exposed to Web Shear Buckling

Abstract

Assessment of the structural behaviour of steel and steel‐concrete composite plate girders exposed to web shear buckling is essential when it comes to their implementation involving heavy loads and/or long spans. In this paper, numerical model of a benchmark steel‐concrete composite girder capable of capturing this phenomenon has been developed using the ABAQUS software. The developed finite element model, based on a series of large‐scale girders planned to be tested in the future, has been evaluated and elaborated on. That includes the implementation of appropriate analysis procedures, element types and contact behaviour in the study of the post‐critical buckling behaviour of steel and steel‐concrete composite plate girders. The advantages and disadvantages as well as recommendations for the future use of the investigated modelling strategies have been scrutinized. In the end, this study demonstrates the parameters with the most significant influence on the structural behaviour of composite girders exposed to shear loading.