A FAILURE PROCESS OF STEEL-CONCRETE COMPOSITE BRIDHE DECK SUBJECTED TO REPETITIVE MOVING LOADS IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL NONLINEAR FE ANALYSIS

Abstract

 This paper shows the failure mechanism of steel-concrete composite bridge deck having studs and ribs subjected to repetitive moving loads. Three-dimensional nonlinear FE analysis was used. First, the property of interface element between steel and concrete was identified by sensitivity analyses. Next, the progress of strains of concrete and steel elements obtained in simulation were examined throughout all the loading programs of wheel running tests. In particular, special attention was devoted to the development of horizontal cracks inside the concrete. Furthermore, static analysis was performed to highlight the difference in the failure process given by the fixed point load and the one caused by the moving load. Considering a particular failure mechanism of the deck under moving load, setting a proper limit states and control level for engineering practice was strongly required.