Experimental analysis of a perforated-rib-type shear connector with circular holes and centered rebar under static and cyclic loading

Abstract

The Steel-Concrete-Steel-Composite-Plate (SCSC-Plate), which was devised as a new type of deck slab for railway bridges as a more economical alternative to full-section steel plates, is currently being developed at TU Wien. This type of slab utilizes steel plates with circular holes as shear connectors to enable the transfer of shear forces between the external steel chord plates through a concrete core. The load-bearing mechanisms of the SCSC-Plate can be differentiated into a primary direction parallel to the shear connector ribs, where the shear transfer via the shear connectors plays an essential role, and a secondary direction perpendicular to the shear connectors. Previously published research (1-4) has focused on the primary load-bearing direction and the load transfer via the shear connectors without any rebar. Current research focuses on the perforated-rib-type shear connector with an added centered rebar. One objective is to obtain parameters describing the mechanical properties of a reinforced shear connector and to analyze the influence of cyclic loading on these mechanical properties. Therefore, a test series is being conducted using fiber optic measurements in the surrounding concrete and on the surface of the rebar to seek detailed insight into the shear connectors’ response to the specified loading conditions. The test series uses a push-out configuration of a single shear connector with varying load levels. This contribution provides an overview of the load-bearing mechanisms in the SCSC-Plate and the development of the described test series and test setup. In addition, the research questions addressed with these particular test specimens are presented.