Experimental investigation on shear connectors in steel-concrete composite deck slabs

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The steel-concrete composite construction has become an effective construction practice in the recent years. The cold form profiled sheet acts a platform for during the construction phase and acts as an external reinforcement after the construction. In steel-concrete composite construction, the shear connectors transfer the longitudinal shear force across the steel flange/concrete interface. The ability to transfer longitudinal shear force by shear connectors mainly depends on the strength of concrete against longitudinal cracking and mechanical properties of the shear connectors. This research investigates shear connector's capacity; the experimental investigation is involved using push-out test for two sets with different shear connectors framing to the profile steel sheet. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Set-W consists of three composite slab specimens with welded stud shear connectors, while set-B consists of three composite slab specimens with bolted shear connectors. Trapezoidal profile steel sheet of thickness 1 mm with rectangular embossments is used. Several key parameters of the composite slab are examined and measured, including slippage capacity, load carrying capacity, composite slab ductility and failure mechanism. Findings: the welded shear connectors provided a better performance in resisting slippage and providing a welded set higher load carrying capacity, however, the bolted shear connector specimens set showed more ductile behavior as compared to of specimens.