Ain shams university - Egypt
14 - 20 Aug 2025
Understanding Composite Design
Estimated Time: 2-3 min quiz | PDH/CPD: 0.5 hr (incl. review & study) | Difficulty: Intermediate
Question:
In a steel-concrete composite bridge with a 180 mm (7-inch) concrete deck and W36 steel girders, why might engineers specify different shear stud spacing for fatigue design versus strength design?
Explanation:
Shear stud spacing requirements differ between fatigue and strength design because fatigue design must address actual elastic stress ranges under service loads, while strength design can rely on plastic redistribution of forces. Per AASHTO LRFD Section 6.10.10, fatigue design prevents localized connector failure under repeated loading, requiring closer spacing in regions of stress reversal (often near supports). For ultimate strength design, a more uniform spacing is acceptable because shear connectors can redistribute forces through yielding, allowing all connectors to participate in developing the composite section's full plastic capacity. This dual design approach ensures both operational longevity and ultimate capacity. Options (A) and (C) incorrectly characterize the governing regions; option (D) misrepresents the controlling factors for each design scenario.
Learning Resources:
• Review AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 9th Edition (2020), Section 6.10.10 for shear connector requirements.
• Tip: When designing shear connectors, consider fatigue requirements which often govern design in regions of stress reversal.