Flexural Performance of SSK Reinforced Steel–UHPC Composite Beams: Experimental and Numerical Study
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 29, Issue 2
Abstract
A novel, welded, steel shear keys (SSKs)–reinforced steel–ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) composite beam was proposed for improving the flexural stiffness and bearing capacity of composite beams with reduced self-weight. In this work, we investigated the influence of the strength of the concrete and the size and spacing of the SSKs on the flexural performance of composite beams using four-point flexural tests. A refined finite-element (FE) model was established and validated against the test results. The yield strength, height, and thickness of the SSKs were also analyzed, based on the validated model. The results showed that the ultimate load and deflection of the composite beam made of UHPC were 28.8% and 124.1% higher, respectively, than the counterpart made of normal concrete C40, and 19.8% and 62.5% higher, respectively, than that of the counterpart made of normal concrete C50. It was also found that increasing the concrete slab height improved the loading capacity, while increasing the concrete slab width enhanced the ultimate deflection, energy dissipation capacity, and ductility performance. Reducing the SSK spacing and increasing the strength, height, and thickness of the SSKs improved crack initiation and loading capacity, further reduced their corresponding deflection, and enhanced the flexural stiffness of the composite beam. However, these changes can result in a decrement in energy dissipation and ductility. The FE model accurately predicted the loading capacity and deflection of the composite beams and effectively captured the crack distribution. Our findings provide a reference for the design of steel–UHPC composite beams.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support from the High-End Foreign Experts Project of Ministry of Science and Technology, China (G2022014054L), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, China (BK20201436), the Science and Technology Project of Jiangsu Construction System (2023ZD104, 2023ZD105), the Science and Technology Project of Gansu Construction System (JK2021-19), the Science and Technology Cooperation Fund Project of Yangzhou City and Yangzhou University (YZ2022194, YZU212105) and the Science and Technology Project of Yangzhou Construction System (202309, 202312, 202204).
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Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 29 • Issue 2 • February 2024
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 5, 2023
Accepted: Oct 12, 2023
Published online: Dec 5, 2023
Published in print: Feb 1, 2024
Discussion open until: May 5, 2024
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