For structures whose structural safety cannot be demonstrated using the applicable code regulations, a nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) can be used to investigate the structural behavior and maximum load capacity. The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management uses a dedicated guideline for NLFEA in such an assessment. This guideline lacks validation on multi-span girder bridges with continuous deck slabs. Particularly, the modeling of the concrete-to-concrete interface between girders and slab deserves attention, since the interface shear transfer can significantly affect the structural behavior. In this paper we investigate the impact of different interface constitutive relations, and validate the selected modeling approach on three experimental shear tests of continuous girders. The finite element models accurately describe the failure processes and predict, on average, a 10% lower shear capacity as observed in the tests. In anticipation of future research, this is an indication that the modeling approach is suitable to be used in engineering practice.@en