Behaviour of perfobond rib shear connectors in composite beams: full-size tests

Abstract

This paper presents the results of six full-size composite beam specimens tested as part of an ongoing research program at the University of Saskatchewan to determine the feasibility of using a new type of shear connector called perfobond rib in composite floor systems. This connector is a flat steel plate with a number of holes punched through. In half of the test specimens, headed stud connectors were used, while in the other half, perfobond rib connectors were used. The results obtained indicate that the perfobond rib connector is a viable alternative to the headed studs. Specimens with four perfobond rib shear connectors performed as well as those with 24 headed studs. The experimentally determined ultimate flexural capacity of the test specimens agreed reasonably well with the predicted values. Key words: composite beam, shear connector, perfobond rib connector, headed stud.