Nonlinear quasi-viscoelastic behavior of composite beams curved in-plan

A numerical formulation for the nonlinear quasi-viscoelastic (creep and shrinkage) analysis of steel-concrete composite beams that are curved in their plan is developed. The creep behavior of the concrete is considered by using the viscoelastic Maxwell-Weichert model, in which the aging effect of the concrete is taken into account. Geometric nonlinearities and the partial shear interaction that exist at the deck-girder interface in the tangential (or longitudinal) direction and in the radial (or horizontal) direction owing to the flexibility of the shear connectors are considered in the strain-displacement relationship. The modeling based on the developed formulation is validated by comparisons with available results reported in the literature. The effects of initial curvature, partial interaction, and geometric nonlinearity on the time-dependent behavior of curved composite beams are illustrated in selected examples. © 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers