Experimental and analytical investigation of innovative wing plate headed stud shear connector in composite structures

Abstract

The most widely employed components in concrete-steel composite constructions to achieve composite action are headed stud shear connectors. Although headed studs are widely employed, their behaviour causes shank failure at the interface, and incomplete composite action is unfair due to unused residual concrete strength. This study intended to enhance the shear capacity of the stud by enlarging its bearing area by introducing triangular-shaped steel wing plates at the base of the stud on either side of it. The effectiveness of integrating wing plates to the headed stud on the shear carrying capacity of composite connection was evaluated using experimental testing on ten pushout specimens. Ultimate shear capacity, ductility, stiffness, and modes of failure were investigated. Furthermore, the ABAQUS dynamic-explicit has been used to analyse the pushout specimens. A proposed modelling strategy used for further parametric analysis was validated with the test results. For the parametric research, two different grades of concrete and wing plate sizes were evaluated. The innovative stud's performance was compared with the traditional stud, demonstrating that the suggested studs give 34–74 per cent greater shear capacity, increased stiffness, and slip with superior ductility. Finally, based on the FE parametric and regression analysis, two equations for predicting the shear strength of the wing plate headed stud shear connector was developed and proposed for composite constructions.