Load introduction to composite columns revisited—Significance of force allocation and shear connection stiffness

Abstract

The AISC 360-16 Specification recommends that the design shear force between parts of a composite column in the load introduction area shall be calculated based on the force allocation at ultimate limit state. Applicability of this straightforward method to the load levels that usually arise in slender composite columns is questionable, as this capacity-based force allocation is only true when the axial force is equal to the plastic resistance of the composite cross-section. Next, the number of required shear connectors is calculated as a quotient of the design shear force and the strength of a single shear connector. We demonstrate that: first, for the lower load levels, the stiffness-based force allocation gives a more accurate estimate of the shear force; second, the number of shear connectors satisfying the strength requirement can lead to insufficient force transfer between parts of the composite cross-section. To investigate the shear transfer mechanism in composite columns, we derive an analytical model with linear elastic constitutive relations both for steel and concrete and three types of shear force slip laws: elastic, elastic plastic, and rigid plastic. The case studies carried out for different shear transfer scenarios demonstrate the importance of the shear connection stiffness on the effectiveness of the load introduction. The remaining portion of the shear force is transferred outside the load introduction area, which hampers the column’s ability to withstand shearing from varying bending moments or incipient buckling. To control the shear force transfer efficiency by enhancing the shear connection stiffness, we propose an original Stiffness Method and provide design charts as an aid in the design process.