Experimental study and numerical analysis of a composite truss joint

This paper presents a model test and numerical finite element analysis (FEA) on the mechanical behavior of a composite joint in a truss cable-stayed bridge. The model test with the scale of 1:2.5 for the truss joint was conduct to fully understand the safety and serviceability. In the experiment, stress distribution, crack resistance ability and shear resistance of headed studs were carefully measured to investigate the mechanical performance, force transmission of the joint part. The maximum strain of the steel plate and concrete chord remained in the linear elastic region until 1.7 times the design load, which means there is a significant safety margin for such composites. On the basis of the experimental results of composite truss joints, three-dimensional finite element models are established. The results of the finite element analysis are in good agreement with those of the tests in terms of strength and stiffness. It is also expected that the results presented in this paper would be useful as references for the further research and the design of composite truss bridges and composite joints.

Research highlights
► Experimental study on mechanical performance of composite truss joint.
► Finite element analysis on composite truss joint.
► Mechanical behavior of headed studs in composite structure.