Analytical study on new types of shear connectors in composite slab

Abstract

Profiled deck composite slab is gaining more popularity from the past two decades due to its easy, fast and economical construction. Shear connectors are a key element in the composite slab. It creates a tensile link between the steel sheet and Concrete and also transfers horizontal shear stresses from Concrete to deck sheet. The overall stiffness of the composite slab depends upon the shape of the profiled deck sheet as well as the type of shear connector utilized. In this research article, two new types of shear connectors named as S type and W type were proposed for profiled deck composite slab.The research comprises of non-linear finite element analysis using an effective constitutive model of the experimental four point bending test using ANSYS software. The behaviour of these new type of shear connectors are compared with conventionally used shear studs. The effectiveness of shear connectors in the composite system is analyzed by comparing it with a model without any shear connector. The behaviour of four composite slab models is analyzed based on deflection and slip characteristics. S-type and W-type shear connectors showed excellent behaviour compared to a conventionally sued shear connector and proved to be a better alternative solution.