Evaluation of the connection efficiency of hybrid steel–concrete girder using finite element approach

In this paper, the efficiency of the connections of a hybrid steel–concrete girder is evaluated using the finite element approach. The structural components of the connections and their interactions are fully modeled, and the material nonlinearity considering damage and failure is included in the analysis. The FE model is verified by comparison with the experiment. The parametric study is conducted to investigate the behavior of three different connection types. The moment strength, stiffness, and rotation capacities of various connections are examined. The non-dimensional efficiency factor Feff is proposed in order to evaluate the structural efficiency of the connections. The performance of the various connections is evaluated, and efficient connection details are recommended.

► The efficiency of connections of a hybrid steel–concrete girder is evaluated using finite element approach.
► The influences of the connection components on the stiffness, moment, and rotation capacities are examined.
► The non-dimensional efficient factor Feff is developed in order to evaluate the efficiency of the connections.