Flexural Behavior of Mixed Steel-Concrete Beams with Various Joints

Mixed steel-concrete construction is very interesting and attractive to bridge engineers, who are eager to promote technological innovation. The mechanical joints such as used in Flehe Bridge and Mosel Bridge play an important role in the creative design of mixed structures. Fundamental research related to the joint of mixed structures is little presented, whereas the practical application has been extensively made in several countries. The purpose of this study is to provide general information with regard to the optimum method of connection for mixed structures. Three types of mechanical joints were proposed herein, which can be applied to mixed steel-prestressed concrete (PC) or steel-reinforced concrete (RC) beams subjected to bending moment. A series of failure bending tests were carried out, in order to study strength and flexural behavior of the joints.