Calculation method for shear bearing capacity of corrugated steel-concrete composite arches based on experimental and theoretical studies

Corrugated steel-concrete (CSC) composite arches, characterized by fabrication simplicity and enhanced structural performance, are emerging as competitive options in bridge and tunnel modular engineering. However, the shear performance mechanisms of CSC arches remain insufficiently characterized with no shear bearing capacity calculation methods proposed, hindering their practical applications. In this context, shear performance tests were conducted on five CSC specimens, with parameters of rise-to-span ratio, shear connector spacing, and concrete strength. Subsequently, to provide more reliable data, a finite element model was developed and validated. Finally, based on theoretical analysis, a shear bearing capacity calculation method was derived to consider the characteristics of CSC arches, i.e., the contribution of corrugated steel to the sectional shear stiffness and high axial compression in concrete components. The results show that: (1) The failure mode of CSC arches is significantly influenced by the rise-to-span ratio and shear connector spacing, as these parameters alter the stress distribution, hence altering the inclination angle of concrete shear cracks. (2) Current design codes has a systematic underestimation of the shear capacity of CSC arches, due to that they fail to account for the significant contribution of corrugated steel and high compressive stress. (3) The proposed calculation method exhibits high accuracy for the CSC arches shear capacity prediction, with a mean value of 1.021, corresponding to a standard deviation of 0.057, and relative errors within 10 %.