ABSTRACT
Composite structures are more and more frequently used both in theory and practice. They make it possible to take advantage of good mechanical properties of concrete in compression and steel in tension. One of the commonest types of composite structures is deck bridges with encased filler beams. These types of construction have been employed in Slovakia and all over Europe without any major change since the beginning of the 19th century. Among their advantages is their quite clear static action, simple structural design, a short period of construction and low maintenance costs. Their main disadvantage is their economical inefficiency. The design of deck bridges is currently based on STN EN 1994-2, which allows only the utilization of rolled or welded sections of constant cross-sections. The verification and calculation of deck bridges with modified sections is not specified in the standards currently in force. Some detailed design and construction methodology for a deck bridge is virtually absent from the current standards. Therefore, new research into deck bridges with various steel sections and methods of composite action is particularly desirable, particularly the one experimentally focused. The appropriate design of rigid reinforcing members in deck bridges (their appropriate type, shape, number and arrangement) as well as the appropriate method of composite action can bring great savings in steel consumption [2, 4].
