Experiments on limit state design of large stud shear connectors

Abstract

For the design of shear connection in high shear areas of steel-concrete composite bridges, large shear studs can be an excellent alternative. Large studs can provide the convenience of removing concrete slab and the proper distribution of shear pockets for precast decks. Through the push-out tests on large stud shear connectors up to 30 mm, which are beyond the limitation of current limit state design codes, static and fatigue behaviors were investigated and comparisons with design equations were performed. Ultimate strength of the shear connection showed that the design shear strength in Eurocode-4 gives conservative values for large studs. Fatigue endurance obtained from the tests was slightly lower than the current S-N curve in Eurocode-4.