Analysis of rigid and semi-rigid steel-concrete composite joints under monotonic loading. Part I: finite element modelling and validation

The paper concerns the modelling of rigid and semi-rigid steel-concrete composite joints under monotonic loading through use of the Abaqus program, a widespread finite element code. By comparing numerical and experimental results obtained on cruciform tests, it is shown that the proposed modelling allows a good fit of the global joint response in terms of moment-rotation law. Even the local response in terms of stresses and strains is adequately predicted. Hence, this numerical approach may represent a useful tool for attaining a better understanding of experimental results. It may also be used to perform parametric analyses and to calibrate simplified mechanical models for practical applications.