Shear properties of a novel wave-shaped shear connector for thin HPFRCC-steel composite structures

Abstract

A novel wave-shaped shear connector is proposed and verified through push-out tests. The study investigates the impact of parameters like concrete type and penetrating rebars on the shear performance. Experimental results show that the wave-shaped connector in UHPC exhibits a 69% increase in shear loading capacity and a 102% increase in slip compared to normal concrete. Moreover, the connector with penetrating rebars demonstrates a 48% increase in shear loading capacity and a 93% increase in slip compared to the one without. The study also develops theoretical models for load-slip behavior and shear capacity prediction in thin HPFRCC-steel composite structures.

HIGHLIGHTS

• A novel shear connector termed as the "wave-shaped shear connector" has been developed.

• The wave-shaped shear connector is specifically designed for thin HPFRCC - steel composite structures.

• Promising shear performance has been observed in push-out tests conducted on thin HPFRCC-steel composite structures utilizing the wave-shaped shear connectors.

• Prediction models for load-slip behavior and shear capacity of the wave-shaped shear connector have been developed.

Keywords:

• Wave-shaped shear connector
• high performance fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC)
• shear performance
• push-out test
• prediction model

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful for the financial support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51578135, 51878156) and Graduate Scientific Research and Innovation Projects in Jiangsu Province-China (No. KYCX18_0126) for providing funds for this research work.

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.