Deconstructable variable stiffness shear connectors in FRP deck resting on multigirder bridge system: Analytical model

Deconstructable structures offer great flexibility and reduce material waste. Fiber Reinforced-Polymer (FRP) decks resting on steel girders combine high durability, lightweight, fast construction, and deconstructablility. Composite action between the decks and girders is achieved using shear connectors. Until now, most shear connectors use adhesives or grouts, limiting their maintenance, reuse, or recycling. This paper presents a closed-form solution to analyze the behavior of an FRP deck connected to multi-girders using variable sequential stiffness shear connectors considering partial Degree of Composite Action (DCA). The analytical model, which is verified using Finite Element model and prior experimental studies, is further used to study stress and deflection for various multigirder configurations. Finally, the DCA considering variable stiffness shear connectors is presented and linked to effective width ratios, paving the way for adopting variable stiffness in bridge standards.