Load Sharing and Slip Distribution in Multiple Holes of a Perfobond Rib Shear Connector

Abstract

Perfobond rib shear connectors (PBL shear connectors) are widely used in composite structures for their excellent mechanical performance. However, the mechanism responsible for the mechanical behavior of multihole PBL shear connectors has seldom been investigated. This study focuses on the load sharing and slip distribution in multiple holes of a PBL shear connector. The load–slip relationships and strain distributions of 14 different multihole PBL shear connector specimens are experimentally determined. The results reveal that the design parameters, i.e., the spacing and diameters of perforated rebar and the concrete strength, affect the load sharing and slip distribution. Based on the physical tests, an analytical model is proposed to describe the mechanical behavior of multihole PBL shear connectors, with the assumption of a Lorentzian distributed strain on the perforated steel plate and surrounding concrete. Further mathematical derivation is performed to determine the load sharing and slip distribution in multiple holes of a PBL shear connector. The accuracy of the theoretical solution is considered satisfactory compared with the physical tests.