A finite element for modelling the nonlinear behavior of shear connectors in composite structures

A three dimensional bar element has been developed that can be used to model the nonlinear behavior of the shear connectors in composite concrete-steel structures. An available empirical shear force-shear deformation relationship is utilized to establish the shear stiffness properties of the element. The flexural and torsional stiffness of the bar are ignored while the axial deformations are accounted for similar to normal beam element. The element is implemented in a nonlinear finite element program and its implementation is verified by the analyses of two beams tested by others. The good comparison between the analytical result and experimental data demonstrates the accuracy of the proposed element.