Design and Assessment of Shear Connectors in Composite Bridge Beams

Abstract

Recent experimental research clearly shows that the strength of stud shear connectors in composite bridge beams immediately reduces when fatigue loads are applied to them. A new fatigue procedure has been developed that allows for this reduction in strength. This procedure can be used in a design mode, for which the strength of connectors required to resist the maximum design load, i.e., overload, is increased to allow for the reduction in strength due to the fatigue loads. Furthermore, the procedure can be used in an assessment mode, for which the reduction in strength due to fatigue loads on the connectors in existing structures can be determined. Theoretical and experimental research has now reached a stage in which this new fatigue procedure can be applied in full. The present paper gives the material properties required for the application of this procedure, as well as examples covering the design of stud shear connectors in a new structure and the assessment of the strength and endurance of stud shear connectors in an existing structure.