Test and Simulation of the Shear Resistance of the Composite Deck Using Reinforcement Frame as the Shear Connector

Abstract

This paper develops a novel reinforcement frame as the shear connector in the composite deck, which was expected to deliver large pre-pouring stiffness. To investigate its shear resistance, nine specimens were designed, including eight specimens using a reinforcement frame and one comparative specimen using classic headed shear studs. The pre-pouring stiffness of all the specimens was tested by hanging weight. Compared with the classic headed shear studs, the reinforcement frame significantly enhanced the pre-pouring stiffness of the composite deck hundreds of times. The four-point bending tests were performed to obtain the shear resistance of the composite deck. The composite decks using the reinforcement frame could achieve the same or even larger load-carrying capacity with those using headed shear studs. The wave-shaped rebar effectively limited the diagonal cracking. Based on physical testing, the finite–element model was developed and provided good agreement with the test results. The influence of the design parameters on the pre-pouring stiffness and ultimate shear resistance is discussed. Based on the physical tests and finite–element analysis, the demarcation condition for the two typical failure modes is observed.