Stress-strain models and numerical simulations of steel headed studs at low temperatures

Abstract

Headed studs are commonly used in steel–concrete composite (SCC) structures. To promote the application of SCC structures in cold regions, this study first developed prediction equations for key indexes in temperatures ranging from 20 to −80 °C. Then, full-range stress–strain (σ–ε) models of headed studs considering low temperatures were proposed. Validations against 56 tensile test results confirmed that the developed constitutive models accurately estimated the stress–strain behaviour of headed studs at low temperatures. Subsequently, finite element models along with the continuum damage plasticity model (CDM) and proposed σ–ε models were developed for headed studs at varying temperatures. Using the test results combined with finite element analyses, the true stress–strain curve and stress-modified critical strain model were calibrated for headed studs at low temperatures. Finally, the reliability of the developed CDM and σ–ε models were validated by applying them to finite element models of six pull-out and eight push-out specimens.