Nonlinear analysis of partially connected composite beams using interface elements

Steel–concrete beams with partial shear connection are widely used in composite construction, and their numerical simulation has received much attention in recent years. Most of the research, however, has been focused on the development of specific finite elements with either displacement, force-based or mixed formulations. This paper presents an alternative procedure for nonlinear numerical analysis of composite beams, where the partial connection between the elements is dealt with especially designed interface elements. The element developed is an extension of a classic interface element where the relative displacements are independently interpolated on the top and bottom element edges. The upper and lower composite beam components may have generic cross-sections allowing not just the classical steel-concrete composite beam, but also other assemblages of partially connected components.