A new concept and algorithm to transfer brittle and arbitrary load-slip curves into an effective shear resistance suitable for Eurocode 4

This paper proposes a new concept and algorithm to transfer brittle and arbitrary load-slip curves into an effective shear resistance suitable for Eurocode 4. This algorithm is specifi-cally for demountable shear connections of composite beams which do not exhibit ductile behaviour as required in EC4. The algorithm is validated with numerical finite element models which have been calibrated against experimental results. The algorithm extends the scope of the code to cover demountable shear connections: it allows the EC4 (EN 1994-1-1) rules remain applicable for the evaluation of the plastic bending resistance of composite beams with partial shear connection.