Punching Shear Behavior of an Innovative Connection between Steel-Tubular Column and Flat-Concrete Slab

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into the punching shear behavior of an innovative simple and effective shear connection method between steel-tubular column and flat-concrete slab using welded shear studs, steel plates and bent-up rebars. Two full-scale tests were carried out, one on a center column–slab assembly and one on a corner column–slab assembly. Detailed numerical simulations of the two tests were performed to supplement the experimental observations to provide full explanations of the behavior of the shear connection system, including crack initiation, final crack position, and punching shear critical perimeter. The results indicate that for calculating punching shear resistance of the slab, the proposed shear connection system works as an enlarged column. The enlarged column dimension can be taken as the distance between the lower bends of the bent-up rebars. The experimental results of critical punching failure perimeter and punching shear resistance agree with those calculated using the the European standard for the enlarged column for both tests. The punching shear resistance for the new shear connection system is demonstrated to be sufficient for practical applications.