Perfobond Rib Connectors for Composite Beams

Abstract

In this paper, the influence of concrete strength, transverse reinforcement and concrete dowels on the capacity of perfobond rib shear connectors is examined. Perfobond rib connector is a new type of shear connector which is simply a flat steel plate with a number of holes punched through. Based on experimental investigation of forty-four push-out test specimens with solid slabs, an empirical expression is formulated to predict the capacity of the type of perfobond rib connectors used. This expression is based on a model which takes into account the contributions of the strength of the concrete, the transverse reinforcement and the concrete dowels formed within the holes of the perfobond rib connectors. The parameters relating to these factors were determined statistically from the push-out test data. Results of five full size beam specimens confirmed the validity of this expression.