Behavior of composite girder with Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors

Abstract

A Y-type perfobond rib shear connector is a new type of perfobond rib shear connector which has a Y-shape. This study evaluates the behavior of the Y-type perfobond rib shear connector which is installed in a composite girder. An analytical model of the proposed Y-type perfobond rib shear connector in a composite girder considering the partial composite behavior is developed to evaluate the structural behaviors of the girder. The validity of the analytical model is verified through a loading test on the sample girder. Through analytical and experimental evaluations of a composite girder with either the proposed Y-type perfobond shear connectors or the conventional stud shear connectors, it is confirmed that the adoption of the Y-type perfobond rib shear connector increases the load-carrying capacity of a composite beam as the composite interaction increases; resulting in about 17% increase in both the yield load and the ultimate load. Considering the advantages over the conventional shear connectors, such as the shear resistance, the ductility, the increased load-carrying capacity of composite girder, and the improved workability of rebar, the proposed Y-type perfobond rib shear connector can be applied to the various types of composite structures.