Behavior of Perforated Shear Connectors in Steel–Concrete Composite Joints of Hybrid Bridges

Abstract

Perforated shear connectors (PSCs) in steel–concrete composite joints are usually deeply embedded in concrete, and the perforated plate thickness varies significantly, which is different from those in a steel–concrete composite beam. In this study, two types of push-out tests (24 specimens in total) were conducted to compare the mechanical behavior of PSCs used in steel–concrete composite joints with that in composite beams. The testing variables include the push-out test arrangement, plate thickness, and concrete compressive strength. The experimental results are presented and discussed, focusing on the shear resistance, load-slip behavior, and failure modes. Finally, the experimental results were compared with existing shear resistance equations to evaluate their applicability for PSCs in composite joints.