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Master of Science / Civil Engineering / Hani G. Melhem / Bill Zhang / Composite action is the joint behavior of two elements connected or bonded together. It is a phenomenon that is utilized in several applications throughout engineering. Previous studies have shown that cold formed steel (CFS) sheathed with structural wood panels exhibits a degree of partial composite action behavior. However currently in the design process, CFS and wood sheathing systems are considered separately in a non-composite manner due to the absence of sufficient supporting data. These systems can include the floors, roofs, and walls of a building. In order to determine the level of composite action present, the slip modulus is needed. The slip modulus describes the relationship between the shear force and the displacement exhibited by two elements in a composite system. The scope of this research is to determine the influence of fastener spacing on the slip modulus and provide a foundation of information to fully define the composite action between CFS and wood sheathing.

The application of composite action ushered a new era in the use of double-layer spaceframes as efficient floor systems in addition to their competitiveness as roof coveringstructural systems. Earlier research on space frames demonstrated large improvementsin their static behaviour caused by the introduction of composite action. Theseimprovements included an increase in ductility to avoid progressive collapse, a largeincrease in load-carrying capacity and a considerable reduction in materialconsumption.In this work, the effect of introducing composite action in changing the dynamiccharacteristics of space frames, in particular the natural frequencies and damping ratioswas presented. The study was expanded to determine the effect of composite action inchanging the response to dynamic excitations. The measured responses included thelateral displacements and changes in the internal member force distribution undershaking table vibrations.Three aluminium space frame models of the square on square (SOS) configuration weremanufactured. The first model was non-composite, while composite action was appliedto the other two models with a top aluminium deck and a timber deck, respectively.Two common cases of support conditions were used in connecting the models to theloading frame, which was the platform of the shaking table.Initial displacement method (snap test) was used to determine the frequency of vibrationand the damping ratio of test models in the vertical and horizontal directions usinglogarithmic decrement method. All models were then exposed to shaking tablevibrations to determine the changes in dynamic responses between different models.These tests were repeated for the three models after the successive removal of panelsfrom one direction to identify the changes to their characteristics and behaviour withdifferent aspect ratios.The second part of the study was carried out numerically by using the finite elementpackage ABAQUS. It started by selecting a valid finite element model from nineproposed models using experimental test results on physical structures. A parametricstudy was conducted using the validated finite element model to expand the study toinclude two common space frame configurations; the square on large square (SOLS)and square on diagonal (SOD), and two other cases of support configurations, namely,fully edge-supported and supports at corners and middle edges of models.Based on the work done in this study, it can be concluded that composite actionchanged the dynamic characteristics of space frames, which was clear in the increase oftheir vibration frequencies in all directions as a result of the increase in stiffness.Furthermore, the increase in stiffness resulted in a general reduction in the dampingratio of space frames covered with aluminium deck, while the high friction with topjoints and the nature of timber as a good energy absorbent material resulted in a variableeffect on the damping ratio associated with the increase in aspect ratio.The effect of composite action was clear in reducing the lateral displacement ofcomposite models by more than 50% compared to the non-composite case. Moreover,composite action resulted in changing the distribution of internal forces in diagonal andlower chord members such that forces became more concentrated at corners and edgesparallel to the direction of vibrations in both cases of corner and edge-supportedmodels.

Thermal efficiency of Precast Concrete Sandwich Panel Walls has become a major topic when discussing the building envelope in academia. At Utah State University, research is being done to evaluate the structural and thermal efficiency of fiber reinforced polymer connectors being used today. In evaluating several different proprietary fiber reinforced polymer systems, researchers plan to develop design procedures to help engineers accurately determine minimum design requirements when using fiber reinforced polymer connectors. This largely requires a determination of the degree of composite action incurred by each system. Testing is performed by constructing small scale specimens (3 ft. by 4 ft., 0.91 m by 1.22 m). Each specimen contains one of the fiber reinforced polymer connecting systems. By constructing a five-wythe, two wall specimen, direct shear can be applied to the connectors using a push-off shear test method. By performing this test it can be determined to what degree the panel is acting compositely. Once the degree of composite action is determined, correlation can be made between design and degree of composite action. Economizing and simplifying this procedure is key to further implementation of precast concrete sandwich panel walls in all areas of our building infrastructure.

A common bridge type is the steel-concrete bridge where the concrete deck is built over steel girders. In many earlier designs the bridge type was often built as non-composite, which means that the concrete deck and the steel girder has no shear connection at the steel-concrete interface and therefore bend as individual components. With the increased traffic loads of today some of the existing non-composite bridges have insufficient bending capacity, and therefore they must either be replaced or strengthened. To replace a bridge and construct a new one has many downsides, it is time consuming, expensive, and it consumes a lot of finite resources. Therefore, it is better if the bridges could be strengthened instead. Non-composite steel-concrete bridges can in some cases be strengthened by installing shear connectors that enable composite action between the concrete deck and steel girder. To enable full composite action, many shear connectors need to be installed (10-15 per meter). In some cases, full composite action is not needed to achieve a sufficient load capacity. Therefore, to save time and money and reduce material usage, it could be favourable if the amount of shear connectors could be lowered. The concept of using less shear connectors than required for full composite action is known as partial composite action and is defined as a ratio η that can vary between 0 and 1,0. If the ratio is 0, the structure is non-composite and if it is 1,0, it is fully composite. For every ratio between, the structure is partially composite. Partial composite action is not allowed by the standard for new composite bridges in Europe, EN 1994-2, which instead requires full composite action for new bridges. Since the conventional shear connector type, Welded Headed Stud (WHS) is impractical for post-installation this can yield large costs. This thesis therefore analyses the efficiency of strengthening non-composite bridges with partial composite action by post-installation of the shear connector type Coiled Spring Pins (CSPs), which is more suitable for post-installation compared to WHS since the installation can be made from underneath the bridge deck. The thesis consists of a theoretical study about composite action with a focus on partial composite action. In addition to the theoretical study, a case study is performed on an existing non-composite steel-concrete bridge, the bridge over Yxlö channel, which is situated south of Stockholm in Nynäshamn municipality. In the case study, hand-calculations to calculate the moment capacity for the bridge and the bending stresses in the bridge is made. In addition, a linear Finite Element-analysis (FE-Analysis) is made to evaluate the bending stresses in the cross-section. Further, in the FE-analysis, the horizontal slip and shear flow at the steel-concrete interface is evaluated. The calculations in the case study are made for 10 different degrees of shear connection from 0 - 1,0 with increments of 0,1. The results from the hand-calculations showed that partial composite action an efficient strengthening method, especially for lower degrees of shear connection. The moment capacity in the mid-section of the bridge could be increased between 16 and 41 % for shear connection ratios between 0,4 and 1,0, when applying plastic properties. If elastic properties were used, the increase in moment capacity for the same interval and section was 13 – 21 %, which shows that if it is possible to use plastic properties, the moment capacity could be increased more.  The results from the stress analysis in both the Hand- and FE-calculations showed that the stresses were reduced efficiently, especially for the top flange of the steel girder, where the stresses reduced 75-85 % for shear connection ratios between 0,4 & 1,0. The reduction of the stresses in the bottom flange were not as efficient, but still a reduction of 15 – 20 % is possible for shear connection ratio between 0,4 – 1,0. The overall conclusion from the thesis is that partial composite action can be an efficient strengthening method, and that non-composite bridges like the Yxlö Bridge could be strengthened with CSPs and have an effective increase of the bending moment capacity. This way the allowed axle- and bogie load on the bridge could be increased which could extend the technical life length of the bridge and reduce the need for new bridges.

The purpose of this master thesis is to provide suggestions of how composite bridges with I-beams (steel beams and concrete slab connected via shear connectors) can be prepared during the construction phase to withstand a future widening. As a case study the project "Bridge over Kalix river in Kalix" has been used. Tender documents were provided to the stakeholders in September 2018 and the tender answers were at the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) in mid-January 2019. The construction work is planned for the summer of 2019 and the bridge is planned to be operational by the end of 2020. Widening of bridges is an expensive change of the structure, but is done occasionally. This is mainly due to two factors; higher safety regulations and a higher number on passing vehicles per time unit compared to the 1950 when many of the bridges in Sweden were constructed. Beyond the increased amount of traffic, the vehicle and lorries are heavier nowadays and the expected life time of the bridge construction is longer. The thesis has resulted in three suggestions of widening constructions; one for the case study and two for the general case. The suggestions are based on the change in loads (both shear force and bending moment) caused by dead loads and traffic loads due to the theoretical widening of 2,5 meters. The widened part is constructed to withstand service vehicle (e.g. snow removal vehicle), but the carrying capacity for the rest of the bridge deck is 74-tonnes vehicle. The obtained result shows that both the shear force and the mid-span bending moment increases. The shear force increases in total 45,8 % (dead load 65,8 % and traffic load 7,3 %) and the bending moment 56,7 % (dead load 61,3 % and traffic load 10,0 %). With these value as base the suggested widening construction for the case study is a tilted column with tie beam, both with center distance of six meters. To the general case, two suggestions are provided; The first one with a steel plate placed in the same way as the tilted column, but with a greater load carrying cross section area and thus a greater area to spread the load onto the concrete slab and the web of the beam. The second suggestion is simply an extra I-beam parallel to the existing ones. This is an established method in widenings where the additional load is great, but it is a method highly dependent on the design of the bridge and the surrounding nature. / Syftet med examensarbetet är att ge förslag till hur samverkansbroar med I-balkar kan förberedas vid konstruktion för en eventuell framtida körfältsökning (brobreddning). Som fallstudie har projektet "Bro över Kalix älv i Kalix" använts. Förfrågningsunderlag var intressenter tillhanda under tidig höst 2018 och anbud inkom till Trafikverket i mitten av januari 2019. Byggstart planeras till sommaren 2019 och färdig bro planeras vara i drift till årsskiftet 2020/21. Att bredda broar i efterhand är en kostsamt åtgärd som sker med jämna mellanrum. Detta ingrepp motiveras med att befintliga broar ofta är undermåliga vad gäller säkerhet och framkomlighet, krav på dessa två faktorer har förändrats sedan 50-talet då många av broarna i Sverige byggdes. Utöver ökad trafikmängd har även lasterna ökat (nu till BK4 som innebär 74-tons fordon) och kraven på beständighet av brokonstruktionen, dagens broar ska klara av betydligt högre laster och dessutom dimensioneras för att upprätthålla sin funktion i 120 år. Studien har mynnat ut i tre förslag till breddningkonstruktioner, ett till fallstudien och två till det generella fallet, samverkansbroar med I-balkar. Förslagen grundar sig i beräkning av lastförändring av såväl egentyngder som trafiklaster laster till följd av en teoretisk brobreddning av 2,5 m. Vid konstruktion dimensioneras hela brobanan för BK4 men efter breddning dimensioneras den breddade delen enbart för servicefordon (t.ex. snöröjningsfordon). Erhållet resultat visade att såväl tvärkrafter som böjmoment i fältmitt ökade i den yttre balken i ett mittenstöd (där spannlängden är som störst). Tvärkraftsökningen uppgick till 45,8 % och böjmomentet till 56,7 %. Den föreslagna breddningskonstruktionen till fallstudien var en snedsträva med centrumavstånd om sex meter och med tvärförband mellan I-balkarna på samma S-avstånd som snedsträvorna. Till det allmänna fallet föreslogs en stålplåt, såsom snedsträvan men en utbredd plåt som dels fungerar som livavstyvare till I-balken och dels fördelar lasten på en större yta på såväl betongfarbanans underkant som I-balkens liv. Även ett förslag om att lägga till en extra balk presenterades som förslag då detta är en vedertagen metod då lastökningen är stor och då gestaltningskravet och den omgivande naturen tillåter ett ingrepp och utbyggnad som detta.

Yes / This paper presents the experimental results of axial compression tests on concrete-filled bimetallic tubes (CFBT). The cross section of the bimetallic tube is composed of an outer layer made of stainless steel and an inner layer made of carbon steel. A total of 12 specimens with a circular cross section were tested under axial compression. The test parameters included the thickness of the stainless steel tube layer (tss=0-1.36 mm) and the compressive strength of the infilled concrete (fcu=21.1-42.8 MPa). Test results showed that, the two layers of the bimetallic tube worked well together, and the CFBT specimens exhibited ductile characteristics. The influence of the parameters on the failure mode, load versus deformation relationship, axial compressive strength, and strain development of the tested specimens were investigated. Finally, the feasibility of three existing design codes for predicting the axial compressive strength of CFST under axial compression was evaluated. / Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Research Program, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation

The increased amount of traffic combined with higher traffic loads leads to many existing bridges needing strengthening in the future to ensure their expected lifespan. This means the bridge owners will be focusing more on strengthening projects and smart solutions will be crucial for preserving a healthy bridge stock. When strengthening existing non-composite bridges (with steel girder and concrete deck) one potential method is to achieve composite action by installing shear connectors. The post-installed shear connectors prevent slip between the steel girders and the concrete. The composite action will reduce bending stresses and deflection of the bridge, due to the increase in moment of inertia and relocation of the neutral axis. Different types of shear connectors can be used for achieving composite action and each type of connector has its own installation method. The biggest distinction between the methods is how the connectors gain access to the steel girder for installation and what technique is used when installing them. This thesis presents the theory behind composite action, the current methods used for achieving composite action on existing bridges and to what extent a bridge can be strengthened by composite action. The thesis also provides a status of the existing road bridge stock around the world. The four case studies examined in this thesis have used different post-installed shear connectors to manage different strengthening problems like weight restriction, fatigue life of shear connectors and a unique problem on the Pitsund Bridge where loud bangs appeared from the bridge when truck passed in the morning. For the case study on the Pitsund Bridge an interview was conducted that explains the entire procedure of the project, from the noise problem to how the installation of coiled spring pins was performed. The bridge over Lule River at Akkatsfallen consists of two steel girders and a concrete deck. This bridge is chosen as a real case study to determine to what extent a bridge can increase its capacity by achieving composite action. The calculations are performed in accordance with the Eurocodes on both non- and full-composite action and the result is compared to the other case studies.

The inverted T-beam bridge system provides an accelerated bridge construction alternative for short-to-medium-span bridges. The system consists of adjacent precast inverted T-beams finished with a cast-in-place concrete topping. The system offers enhanced performance against reflective cracking, and reduces the likelihood of cracking due to time dependent effects. The effects of transverse bending due to concentrated wheel loads are investigated with respect to reflective cracking. Transverse bending moment are quantified and compared to transverse moment capacities provided by a combination of various cross-sectional shapes and transverse connections. A design methodology for transverse bending is suggested. Tensile stresses created due to time dependent and temperature effects are quantified at the cross-sectional and structure level and strategies for how to alleviate these tensile stresses are proposed. Because differential shrinkage is believed to be one of the causes of deck cracking in composite bridges, a study on shrinkage and creep properties of seven deck mixes is presented with the goal of identifying a mix whose long terms properties reduce the likelihood of deck cracking. The effects of differential shrinkage at a cross-sectional level are numerically demonstrated for a variety of composite bridge systems and the resistance of the inverted T-beam system against time dependent effects is highlighted. End stresses in the end zones of such a uniquely shaped precast element are investigated analytically in the vertical and horizontal planes. Existing design methods are evaluated and strut-and-tie models, calibrated to match the results of 3-D finite element analyses, are proposed as alternatives to existing methods to aid designers in sizing reinforcing in the end zones. Composite action between the precast beam and the cast-in-place topping is examined via a full scale test and the necessity of extended stirrups is explored. It is concluded that because of the large contact surface between the precast and cast-in-place elements, cohesion alone appears to provide the necessary horizontal shear strength to ensure full composite action. Live load distribution factors are quantified analytically and by performing four live loads tests. It is concluded that AASHTO's method for cast-in-place slab span bridges can be conservatively used in design. / Ph. D.

Many of the existing steel-concrete bridges may need to be strengthened, as heavier vehicles areallowed on the Swedish roads. These bridges could possibly be strengthened by post-installingshear connectors. The shear connectors may enhance the load-bearing capacity through a higherdegree of composite action between the steel and concrete interface.For post-installing of shear connectors, it is advantageous to use a method that allows forinstallation from underneath the bridge as it avoids disrupting the traffic flow. The authors havehence focused on a shear connector called coiled spring pin (CSP); a sheet of metal rolled intoa coil. It’s inserted by hydraulic jacking into a pre-drilled hole and maintained in position dueto radial spring force, avoiding the need for welding.Information and data are collected from beam tests performed at Luleå technical university, theEurocodes and literature.This study investigates and identifies the behaviour and characteristics of a partial compositegirder reinforced with CSPs. The study compares the results obtained from the laboratory testsand the FEM-simulations. Furthermore, this research examines the factors that contribute to theaccuracy of the FEM models and investigates the influence of the CSP placement on the overallload-bearing capacity.Both the FEM simulations and laboratory tests indicate that the girders exhibit strength benefitsfrom applying CSPs. An optimal position for the connectors could not be determined, as theresults presented in the simulations was not proved by the laboratory tests. The simulationsindicate benefits with central placed CSPs, in contrast to the laboratory test where no differencesfrom the placement were shown, although only two test setups were used.