Crack control of a steel and concrete composite plate girder with prefabricated slabs under hogging moments

Abstract In this research, an experimental test on a full-scale model of a steel and concrete composite plate girder with prefabricated slabs under hogging moments was cautiously conducted and observed in order to study crack control. Details of prefabricated slab transverse joints were determined from previous research. The test specimen was an overhanging simple support beam, in total 28 m long. Through the four-point flexural test, the behaviour of the composite girder under hogging moments was observed. From the test results, crack development, crack widths and strain of the composite section before and after cracking were observed. Initial cracking load and crack spacing were viewed and the relations between crack spacing and transverse reinforcement spacing were studied. Moreover, the composite section behaviour of the precast deck with loop joints was confirmed. Test results were analyzed by design equations in each code for crack control. The flexural stiffness of the composite section after cracking is compared with that of the proposals in EUROCODE 4-2 and discussed.