Numerical evaluation of the slab effective width in steel-concrete composite box girder bridges

ABSTRACT: Bridges are structures built to overcome obstacles and allow continuity of transport routes. In the search for efficient construction systems, steel-concrete composite structures, especially box girder bridges, emerged. The American AASHTO European EN 1994-2-2 standards present design procedures this type bridge, but there still doubts about which portion concrete slab contributes each web strength in section (effective width). paper aims evaluate, by numerical analysis Abaqus® software, effective width verify whether expressions its calculation I-girder bridges valid sections. After analyzing results, it was found that recommendations cannot be applied directly girders. Finally, based on analysis, an equation proposed calculate bridges.