Three Dimensional FE Model of Stud Connected Steel-Concrete Composite Girders Subjected to Monotonic Loading

Nonlinear behaviour of stud connected steel-concrete composite girders is numerically studied in this paper. Focus of the study is to develop and validate a three-dimensional finite element model. Numerical results are compared with that obtained from an experimental study conducted by authors. Brief description of the experiment to the extent required for validation is provided in the paper. A sophisticated 3D finite element model of the composite girder is developed using ABAQUS software. Nonlinear damage plasticity model is considered for modelling concrete. Suitable interface elements combined with the constraints are used to describe interaction among the concrete slab, steel beam and studs. Besides the interaction between concrete and steel, appropriate value of friction coefficient is also used. Validation of the model is done in terms of comparing the predicted energy absorption capacity, slip at interface, cracking and crushing of the concrete, yielding and local buckling of steel beam flanges with the corresponding values obtained in the experiments. Energy absorption capacity of the composite girder obtained from the finite element analysis corroborated well with corresponding measured values. It is observed that the FE model predicts a conservative value for ultimate load.