Analytical Study on Internal Force Transfer of Perfobond Rib Shear Connector Group Using a Nonlinear Spring Model

The perfobond rib (PBL) shear connector group composed of multiple layers of PBL shear connectors has been proven to be one of the most effective load-transferring components and is widely used in cable-stayed bridges. In this study, an analytical method was developed to analyze the internal force transfer of a PBL shear connector group, based on the nonlinear equivalent stiffness of key components, which include the shear connectors, perforated steel plate, and concrete base. Explicit analytical expressions of the internal force distribution among different layers of shear connectors were derived and validated against experimental results. Uneven force distributions resulting from the different equivalent stiffnesses of different layers of shear connectors were demonstrated. Key factors influencing the load distribution include the stiffness of the perforated steel plate, concrete base, and shear connectors. The unevenness of the load distribution was found to gradually decrease with the development of plastic deformation of the shear connectors. The proposed method offers an efficient and practical approach to investigating the mechanical behavior of a PBL shear connector group and quantifying its property of uneven internal force distribution.