الفهرس 
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Abstract
The scope of this research work was to evaluate, experimentally and analytically, the structural behavior of both stitching and monolithic joints between main girders and cross beams in bridges.
An experimental program was carried out for testing of seven beam connections; specimens were categorized into two groups. The first group (Group-I) comprised three specimens in which main girder and cross beam were casted monolithically. The second group (Group-II) consists of four specimens; in which each beam was casted separately then the connections were casted later. The extra beam in this group was fabricated using reinforcement bars mechanical joint (Steel couplers) to evaluate their effect on flexural moment capacity of stitching joint. The main parameter considered in this experimental study was load position with respect to connection between beams. Three positions were selected to apply a vertical static load and compare joint behavior under different types of actions (flexure, shear or combination).
All specimens were simulated analytically using finite element program (ANSYS) for further understanding of structural behavior of different details of joints between beams. Analysis results were compared to that obtained by experimental program to ensure that parameters used in finite element modelling have captured the same behavior of real tests.
Finally, a parametric study was conducted to verify the impact of increasing stitching length on joint flexural capacity and compare reinforcement overlap length of stitching joint that has the same flexural capacity of monolithic joint with splice length required by international design codes.