Numerical simulation of shear capacity of lightweight aggregate concrete stud connectors

In order to study the mechanical properties of the stud connectors in lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC), the finite element software ABAQUS was used to establish the push test models of ordinary concrete and LWAC, respectively. Through parameter analysis of 21 models, the influence of different parameters on the shear performance of LWAC stud connector was studied. Among them, concrete strength, stud diameter and stud strength have strong effects. Compared with stud connector in ordinary concrete, the LWAC stud connector enters the elastoplastic working stage earlier, the ultimate slip is slightly larger, the ductility is better, and the shear capacity is about 11% lower. Regression analysis was performed on the finite element calculation results, and the method for shear bearing capacity calculation of the stud connectors in LWAC is given.

Experimental evaluation on the structural behavior of truss shear connectors in composite steel-concrete beams

The composite structures have great advantages in terms of structural and constructive aspects, with the shear connectors being decisive for obtaining the interaction between the structural elements and for the distribution of the stresses in the structure, taking advantage of the potentiality of each constituent material of the composite structure (steel and concrete). This work, through experimental studies, presents the development of a shear connector (Truss connector) proposed for use in a concrete-steel composite beam. The proposed connector is easy to implement and can serve as a viable alternative to the use of stud or U connectors. It was idealized a connector geometry that would provide low production cost, ease of execution, higher values of resistant load, efficiency as regards the relative sliding resistance between the metal profile and the concrete slab, as well as the efficiency regarding the resistance to the spacing of the slabs in relation to the metal profile (uplift). In order to evaluate the behavior of Truss connectors, 6 experimental models were constructed for push-out tests, 3 with 12.5 mm diameter Truss connectors and 3 with 19.0 mm diameter stud bolt connectors. The behavior of the models was investigated with respect to the loads of rupture, the transversal displacements between the concrete slabs and the relative vertical slide between the reinforced concrete slabs and the metallic profiles of the models. The results of the experimental analyzes provided an overview of the operation of the Truss and stud bolt connectors, with significant results that showed advantages of the Truss connector in relation to the stud connector considering the parameters analyzed in this work.

Push-Out Tests on Large Diameter and High Strength Welded Stud Connectors

In recent years, steel-concrete composite cable-pylon anchorages are increasingly employed in the construction of long-span cable-stayed bridges, especially in China. Welded stud connectors, typically 19 mm and 22 mm in diameter, are usually densely arranged at the interface between the steel anchorage box and the wall of the concrete pylon to transfer the huge cable force into the concrete pylon. However, dense welded stud arrangements at the interface have some disadvantages, such as the shear strength reduction of stud connectors and the difficulties in arranging reinforcements and pouring pylon concrete. Larger diameter and higher strength welded studs may be excellent alternatives since they both could increase the shear strength of a single stud connector and thus reduce the required number of welded studs. In this paper, push-out tests were implemented on four groups of welded stud connector specimens, including conventional 22 mm welded studs, 22 mm welded studs with much higher strength, 25 mm welded studs, and 30 mm welded studs. The shear strength, shear stiffness, and ductility of these welded stud connectors were investigated and compared with the predictions by the equations recommended in existing design codes. The results show that the shear strength of welded stud connectors could be conservatively determined by Eurocode 4, while AASHTO LRFD will produce a suitable estimation. The load-slip relationships proposed by Ollgaard and Buttry can be used to predict the load-slip curves of large diameter and high strength welded stud connectors.