Static and Fatigue Tests of Steel-Precast Composite Beam Specimens with Through-Bolt Shear Connectors

Abstract

Increasing demand for the rapid and economical construction of bridges has encouraged engineers to use accelerated bridge construction through modular assembly. Full-depth, precast concrete decks connected to steel girders is one approach where the major components can be fabricated off-site. Currently, welded, headed shear studs are the most common type of shear connectors used in composite bridge construction. A potentially attractive alternative is the use of slip-resistant through-bolt shear connectors. The following paper investigates the static and fatigue performance of such connectors through the testing of three beam specimens. The static test results provide insight on the degree of composite interaction and shear connection achieved and the load-slip behavior for this connection type. The fatigue testing did not result in any connector failures. The fatigue performance of the through-bolt shear connectors far exceeded the expected performance of welded shear studs.