Mechanical Behavior in Perfobond Rib Shear Connector with UHPC-Steel Composite Structure with Coarse Aggregate

Abstract

Using experimental and numerical analysis, this paper aims at investigating the mechanical behavior in Perfobond rib (PBL) shear connectors with ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC)-steel composite structures. Twelve push-out specimens fabricated according to the design used for the connectors in the UHPC-steel composite structures in bridges have been investigated. The main objective of this paper was to discuss the mechanism of failure and the influence of different parameters on PBL shear connectors mechanical properties, including the diameter of transverse rebar, hole spacing and number of holes. The results showed that the failure mode of this type is different from that of conventional concrete specimens. During the failure of specimens, there are few cracks and the overall stiffness still maintain a high level, and reveal that a balance between the size of transverse rebar and the diameter of the hole. In addition, the basic form of the ultimate bearing capacity of existing PBL shearing bonds is summarized, and a new concept of steel fiber shearing in UHPC is proposed. Finally, based on the elastic foundation beam model, the full curve calculation formula of UHPC single-hole PBL shear bond is derived by using Timoshenko beam element. The formula calculation results are in good agreement with the experimental values.