Finite Element Modelling of Simply Supported Composite Beams with Deformable and Non-ductile Shear Connectors

This paper presents a detailed finite element study on the structural behaviour of simply supported composite beams using advanced two dimensional finite element models with material, geometrical and interfacial non-linearity. It is essential to acknowledge that shear connectors are not rigid, and their load-slippage characteristics at both small and large deformations are very important to the overall structural behaviour of composite beams, in particular, their moment capacities at ultimate limit state as well as their flexural rigidities at serviceability limit state. Hence, a parametric study on single span composite beams of practical configurations is carried out, and the non-linear load-slippage curves of various shear connectors with different extents of ductility at large deformations are carefully incorporated through an engineered use of spring elements. The key findings of the study are presented in this paper. As the proposed finite element models are reckoned to be highly effective for detailed investigation into the structural behaviour of composite beams, the effective use of the models will be instrumental to the design development of more refined design rules for improved structural accuracy and efficiency.