Composite Behavior of Steel I-girders Connected to Inverted-T Bent Cap

摘要

This study presents new steel girder bridge system. The main feature of the proposed bridge is the construction of steel I-girders and inverted-T bent caps at the same elevation. Thus, the proposed bridge system eliminates huge bent cap in traditional girder bridge and provides more space under the bridge. In this system, the composite behavior of the joint is the key to ensure structural performance. Two methods for connecting steel girders and bent caps are examined, including the introduction of prestressing forces and installation of steel plates. In order to make sure the performance of aforementioned methods, the key part of full-scale bridge was fabricated and tested. A finite element model were also developed and verified with the full-scale test. In addition, parametric studies were conducted to investigate the effect of prestressing force and thickness of steel plate on the behavior of the test unit by means of nonlinear finite element analyses.