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Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Mechanical Behavior of Corrugated Steel–Concrete Composite Bridge Decks

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents an experimental and numerical investigation into the mechanical behavior of corrugated steel–concrete composite bridge decks with composite dowel shear connectors. Four full-scale specimens were fabricated and subjected to flexural tests to obtain and analyze the load–deflection and load–strain curves. A finite element model was developed and validated against the experimental results. The validated model was subsequently applied to analyze the load-carrying process and to perform parametric sensitivity analysis. The effects of the concrete strength grade, steel strength, corrugated steel plate thickness, concrete slab thickness, and corrugated steel plate height on the ultimate bearing capacity were evaluated. The results indicate that corrugated steel–concrete composite bridge decks were subjected to concrete shear failure. The ultimate bearing capacity of the bridge deck reached approximately 3.36 times the design value, demonstrating a high safety reserve. Throughout the entire flexural failure process, the shear connectors performed effectively, with only minimal relative slip observed at the steel–concrete interface. At the instance of failure, only partial areas of the corrugated steel plate yielded. To fully exploit the structural potential, the key design parameters require rational coordination.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings16020330

Authors: Fanlei Kong, Rongrong Bai, Junlong He, Mingzhe Li, Zhen Wang

Institutions: Shandong Jiaotong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Chang'an University

Language: English

Topic: Structural Load-Bearing Analysis

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137