Load-consistent effective width for the analysis of composite steel-concrete bridge decks

This paper proposes new effective widths for the analysis of twin-girder steel-concrete composite bridge decks. The method permits evaluating the normal longitudinal stress on the slab by means of a cross sectional analysis starting from the results of the structural analysis performed by considering the nominal width of the slab. The effects of a single load layout, support settlements and concrete shrinkage, as well as the maximum effects obtained by considering the envelopes of bending moments, for example due to traffic load, can be caught. Comparisons with other methods performed on realistic continuous twin-girder composite bridge decks demonstrate the simplicity and effectiveness of the method proposed.