A study on semi-continuous composite beams with realistic modelling of end-plate connections

A comprehensive parametric study is presented in this paper, which examines numerically the structural behaviour of semi-continuous composite beams with end-plate connections of different material properties and geometrical configurations adopting a two dimensional finite element model. Both ductile and non-ductile shear connectors are covered to investigate the effect of flexibility of the shear connectors on the overall structural behaviour of semi-continuous composite beams. Moreover, the effect of the uniform elongation strain limits of tensile reinforcement is also studied. Various structural performances, including load-deformation characteristics, concrete cracking and moment redistributions, are covered and studied in depth.