Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
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The Department of Transport Systems and Road and Bridge Construction (TSiDMS) continues research into steel-reinforced concrete structures of superstructures under conditions of incomplete compatibility between steel beams and reinforced concrete slabs.
Although composite superstructures are now widely used in medium- and large-scale bridge projects, their calculation methodology has not been fully developed. In particular, one of the remaining open questions is the adequate analysis of connecting elements—one of the most important components of a composite structure that ensures the combined performance of the slab and beam.
The standard engineering approach, enshrined in both Russian and international design codes, assumes the connection between the slab and beam via connecting elements to be absolutely rigid in shear, which is rarely achieved in practice. While such a simplification is acceptable for new bridges, it appears inappropriate for existing structures or for assessing the durability of new bridges.
Nikolai Kozak, Associate Professor of the Department of Structural Engineering and Design, proposes evaluating steel-reinforced concrete structures using a method that takes into account the gradual decrease in shear stiffness of connecting elements, which depends on the process of accumulation of fatigue damage.
The general concept of the methodology includes an iterative calculation of structures with the determination of the level of damage accumulation in the elements of the connection and updating their rigidities (the concept is shown in the figure).
Today, the department's staff, including both faculty and students, is conducting research to develop methods for determining components such as:
models for reducing the rigidity of connecting elements; a model for calculating the load based on data on the actual traffic composition; methods for determining reliability indicators.
The research is being carried out within the framework of research projects by the research and teaching staff of SPbGASU using internal grants in 2025.
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