Experimental study of static behaviour of stud shear connectors

Abstract

An experimental program involving the test of 25 push-out specimens was conducted to study the behaviour and strength of shear studs in the application of composite bridge decks and to assess the detailing requirement specified in the code practice. Testing parameters included reinforcement mesh position, presence of stud head, and stud height. An alternative type of shear studs, referred to as adjustable studs, was also studied and its capacity was compared with conventional studs. Results showed that the position of reinforcement mesh affected the specimen failure mode and ultimate load. Comparing with the cases where the mesh was placed either flush with the stud head or above the stud, the maximum ultimate load was reached and the failure was by stud shear-off when the mesh intercepted the studs. Shear studs with heads resulted in a higher ultimate load in specimens than unheaded shear studs. In the comparison between conventional and adjustable shear studs, while they shared similar failure modes, adjustable studs showed on average lower load capacity than their conventional counterparts. For all specimens studied, only specimens with reinforcement mesh satisfying the detailing requirement were able to attain the code specified strength.