Design Considerations for Composite Steel Bridges Using 29-mm Diameter Shear Studs and Partial-Depth Precast Concrete Panels: A Finite-Element Study

This paper uses finite-element analysis of steel–concrete composite subassemblages, to develop design recommendations for composite steel bridges using 29-mm diameter shear studs, while also exploring the effect of partial-depth precast concrete panels on the stud performance. The analysis uses a modeling scheme that accounts for key aspects of nonlinear behavior, including concrete cracking, compressive inelasticity, steel stud yielding, rupture, and contact conditions at the steel–concrete interface. The scheme is validated with data from 11 experimental tests, and then used in a numerical parametric study of a broad range of configurations that include 29-mm shear studs and precast concrete panels. The results reveal that the penetration depth of the studs into the concrete deck and the clear spacing between the studs and the partial-depth precast concrete panels significantly influence the shear connection strength. A suggested minimal stud penetration and clear distance values are proposed for composite steel bridges to safely utilize partial-depth precast concrete panels and 29-mm diameter shear studs.