Shear strength of composite plate girders with rectangular web cut-outs

Abstract An experimental investigation of the shear strengths of composite plate girders, with rectangular web cut-outs is described. The tests indicate that if adequate tension connectors are provided between the plate girder and composite concrete slab, the shear strength of the composite girder would be significantly higher than that of the plate girder alone. A simple analytical model for predicting the shear strengths of composite plate girders is also presented, which shows satisfactory correlation with the test results.