Study on the Gradually Expanding Substructure Method for the PBL Shear Connector Group

Finite element method and model test method are not applicable to analyze the mechanism of PBL shear connector group which is large and complex, because modeling is complicated, efficiency is low and calculation is difficult to converge for the finite element method, and the model test cost too much money and time. In order to improve the analysis ability for the PBL group, the gradually expanding substructure method was put forward for the PBL group transmitting axial load according to the simple boundary conditions and the repeated simple structure components. The gradually expanding substructure method was derived based on the load-slip curve of the single PBL shear connector and the force and displacement equations of the steel and concrete components. Compared with finite element method, the gradually expanding substructure method has some advantages such as the equations are easier to understand, the program is easier to perform and the efficiency is higher.