Vincent Kvočák

Experimental Verification of Design Models in a Static and Dynamic Loading Test

Nowadays more and more often investors and constructors are building constructions by combining two of the most common materials: reinforced concrete and steel. By understanding their behavior we can squeeze a mountain of used material with better results. They make it possible to take advantage of good mechanical properties of concrete in compression and steel in tension. One of the commonest types of composite structures is deck bridges with encased filler beams. These types of construction have been employed in Slovakia and all over Europe without any major change since the beginning of the 19th century. Several steel sections of modified shapes and dimensions were designed and tested in the Laboratories of the Institute of Structural Engineering at the Technical University in Košice. The main goal was to design and experiment with deck bridges made of various sections so as to maximise their cost-effectiveness by reducing the amount of steel consumed. Based on theoretical analyses, specimens were prepared in the laboratory, consisting of a variety of fully encased steel sections. It was cast into the prepared steel formwork placed on a fixed bearing plate so as to prevent deflection of composite beams during the concreting process.

Software Modelling of Composite Steel and Concrete Structures

The article deals with the modelling of composite structures by means of the ABAQUS software application. This numerical modelling is based on the results obtained from measurements on a series of experimental models. It defines the contacts between concrete, steel and concrete reinforcement. The required accuracy of theoretical solutions will be guaranteed by the appropriate depiction of contacts between different materials. Creating adequate procedures for the design of composite structures will be possible due to the application of established and well-proven theoretical models.

State of the Art in the Utilization of Deck Bridges with Encased Filler-Beams in the Standard Construction Practice

Abstract Deck bridges with encased filler-beams have been used in construction for a long time. Nowadays they are employed mainly in the refurbishment of railways and in road construction. Regarding the method of construction, they can be divided into monolithic/cast-in-place (constructed fully in its final location) or prefabricated/precast structures (built at another location and then transported to their final location for placement in the full structure). Both methods of construction have certain advantages and disadvantages. Decision-making and selecting a better alternative depends on the building conditions and a means of transport (whether a road or railway) running on the bridge.