Flexural Behavior of Composite Beams with Angle Shear Connectors

Abstract

Development of competent composite beam systems has been fostered by the steel industry for structural efficiency. Current flexural design methods were developed primarily for conventional composite systems using a wide-flange section. Posed configuration is characterized by angle shear connectors welded to U-shaped cold-formed steel beams. For verification of code compliance, this study performed 12 composite beam flexural tests. Test parameters considered angle shear connector direction, spacing, and concrete strength. Based on experimental and analytical results, flexural strength prediction by international standards as well as an angle anchor design equation were evaluated. Ensuing thoughts and discussion pertain to the effects of neutral axis depth and partial composite behavior. Findings were deemed beneficial in development of design methods for the posed system. To develop design methods for the posed system, a simplified flexural response analysis model, which relies on just shear connector strength without an exact interfacial shear-slip relationship information, is proposed.