Shear Connection in Haunched Composite Beams with Sloping Sides

Abstract

Composite steel and concrete beams that incorporate a haunch are prone to splitting failure. This is because the shear connectors have to transfer high concentrations of load into the concrete slab in the region of the haunch where the side cover to the connectors is limited. Experimental and theoretical research that has already been published can be used to determine the splitting resistance for haunches with vertical sides. Experimental tests on stud shear connectors encased in haunches with sloping sides is reported, and the results are used to formulate design rules that can be used to prevent composite beams with sloping haunches from splitting. The results can be used to design composite beams with all shapes of haunches and composite L‐beams with sloping sides. Furthermore, they can be used to design steel and concrete composite beams that incorporate composite slabs made with steel decking when the ribs of the steel decking are parallel to the steel section of the composite beam.