Qinghua Zhang

Theoretical and Experimental Studies of the Internal Force Transfer Mechanism of Perfobond Rib Shear Connector Group

Abstract Perfobond rib shear connector (PBL) is capable of transferring large internal force between steel and concrete components. It has been widely used in composite bridges as a key load-transferring component. In this paper, the load-transfer mechanism of the PBL shear connector group is investigated theoretically and experimentally. An analytical model was developed based on load-slip characteristics of a single shear connector and load-deformation compatibility of a perforated steel plate and concrete component. The model was validated through full-scale connection loading experiments. Test results indicate that the applied load is unevenly distributed to multiple layers of PBL shear connectors in a connector group in the elastic stage, and the load becomes more evenly distributed as plastic deformation of the connectors takes place. The presented analytical model provides an efficient way for analyzing and designing a PBL shear connector group. The analytical results indicate that increasing the n...

Analytical Model for Frictional Resistance between Cable and Saddle of Suspension Bridges Equipped with Vertical Friction Plates

AbstractFor multispan suspension bridges, frictional resistance between the main cables and the saddles is essential for counterpoising unbalanced cable tension between different spans. The use of friction plates in saddles is one of the most common methods for increasing frictional resistance, and the corresponding evaluation method is vital for the design of suspension bridges. In this study, an analytical model for the calculation of frictional resistance between cables and saddles is presented. Large-scale model tests were performed to simulate the realistic friction conditions of a typical multispan suspension bridge in China, namely the Yingwuzhou Yangtze River Bridge, to validate the model. The main components of frictional resistance were analyzed, and the effects of vertical friction plates in enhancing frictional resistance were investigated by model tests and theoretical analyses. The results indicate that the presented analytical model provides an effective and feasible tool for evaluating the...