Performance evaluation of triangular and circular bulged perforated headed stud shear connector in composite junction

Abstract

Composite construction is widely increasing in today’s construction practice. Shear connections are essential components for ensuring the composite action in composite structures made of steel and concrete elements. Headed studs and channel shear connectors have been widely used in recent composite construction. In the present study, two new variations of headed stud shear connectors are developed using volumetric alterations: circular and triangular bulged perforated head stud shear connectors (CBPHS & TBPHS). For making these alterations, the headed stud shear connector is divided into three zones with reference to bending height. The bulge in the shank of the headed studs has a perforation to allow the reinforcement to pass through it. The performance of the proposed CBPHS and TBPHS studs was evaluated experimentally. The performance of CBPHS and TBPHS shear connectors was evaluated using six experimental and ten numerical specimens. Results show that CBPHS and TBPHS shear connectors have 29–33 % more ultimate shear carrying capacity with more ductility and stiffness than conventional headed stud shear connectors with almost the same material volumetric consumption. The reinforcement passing through the perforation helped CBPHS and TBPHS connectors attain higher ultimate strength, ductility, and stiffness than specimens without reinforcement passing through perforations. Based on results and comparisons made with other codal provisions, two new equations were developed to evaluate the strength of CBPHS and TBPHS shear connectors with and without reinforcement passing through the perforation.