Behaviour of steel–precast composite girders with through-bolt shear connectors under static loading

• Published in: Journal of constructional steel research 2014-12, Vol.103, p.168-178
• Main Authors: Chen, Y.-T., Zhao, Y., West, J.S., Walbridge, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accelerated bridge construction; Bolting; Bolts; Bridges (structures); Composite girders; Construction; Girders; Joints; Mathematical models; Shear; Shear connectors; Steel–precast concrete; Through-bolts
• ISSN: 0143-974X; 1873-5983
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcsr.2014.09.001

Accelerated bridge construction methods are being increasingly used to construct new bridges and replace existing ones. For the accelerated construction of steel–precast concrete composite bridges, a suitable shear connection detail is needed to develop composite action between the steel girders and the precast concrete deck panels. In this paper, a recent study is presented on the use of through-bolts to make this shear connection. Specifically, an experimental study is summarized, wherein static push tests have been performed on through-bolt connections with several parameters investigated including the bolt diameter, bolt pretension, and steel–concrete contact surface properties. While ultimate shear loads are achieved with through-bolts similar to those seen for conventional shear studs, the initial slip load is generally seen to be much lower than the ultimate load. A mechanistic model, capable of predicting the through-bolt connector ultimate capacity, is proposed and shown to give reliable predictions of the test results. Lastly, a finite element (FE) analysis study is presented, wherein the load–slip behaviour obtained from the push tests is incorporated in a model of a full-scale bridge girder and the effect of varying the bolt diameter and spacing on the girder behaviour is investigated. •Push test results for through-bolt shear connectors are reported.•A mechanistic model capable of predicting the ultimate connector capacity is presented.•A finite element analysis is presented of a full-scale girder employing through-bolt connectors.•The effect of varying the bolt spacing on the full-scale girder is studied analytically.