Discussion on “Composite (steel-concrete) highway bridge fatigue assessment” by F.N. Leitão, J.G.S. da Silva, P.C.G. da S. Vellasco, S.A.L. de Andrade, and L.R.O. de Lima [J Constr Steel Res 2011; 67(1): 14-24]

A discussion was proposed on the paper “Composite (steel-concrete) highway bridge fatigue assessment” by F.N. Leitão, J.G.S. da Silva, P.C.G. da S. Vellasco, S.A.L. de Andrade, and L.R.O. de Lima. The main point of the discussion is the finite element model, in which the shear connectors of the steel-concrete composite girders were not considered. Besides, several issues such as the influence of other variable loads, the dynamic effects of vehicle loads due to irregular pavement surface, and critical locations of fatigue assessment of steel-concrete composite girders require further explanation to the readers.