Formulation for maximum shear force on L-shape shear connector subjected to strut compressive force at splitting crack occurrence in steel-concrete composite structures

Abstract

This study investigates the performances of L-shape shear connectors subjected to strut compressive force in steelconcrete composite structures by means of beam type test method. Experimental data showed that splitting crack occurrence in the concrete in front of the shear connector controlled the maximum shear force on L-shape shear connector. An equation to predict the maximum shear force at splitting crack occurrence which is a function of width, height, thickness to height ratio of the shear connector, and the concrete strength is proposed. Moreover, the horizontal relative displacements of the head of the shear connector were found to have big increments with small increments of shear force after the occurrence of crack in the concrete from the head of the shear connector. Also, the occurrence of splitting crack in the concrete in front of the shear connector reversed the slip direction between concrete and steel plate in front of the shear connector.