Work

Experimental and theoretical study on shear performance of T-shaped and bulb flat shear connectors in composite structures

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the mechanical performance and theoretical design methods of T-shaped and bulb flat shear connectors in large-scale steel-concrete composite structures. The full-scale push-out test were conducted, including 9 groups of T-shaped and 6 groups of bulb flat shear connectors. The failure modes, crack development patterns, stress distributions, shear force-relative displacement relationships were analyzed across the specimen groups. Experimental results demonstrate that the shear behavior of T-shaped and reverse bulb flat shear connectors is governed by the crushing of non-reinforced concrete in the web root region under stress concentration, whereas that of normal bulb flat shear connectors is controlled by splitting along crack propagation from the bulb ends. Furthermore, reverse bulb flat shear connectors exhibit significantly enhanced shear performance compared to normal types under identical design conditions. Incorporating the superimposed contribution of compressive concrete adjacent to the flange or bulb, modified design methods applicable to T-shaped and bulb flat shear connectors are proposed based on the elastic foundation beam models for normal L-shaped shear connectors. Validated against experimental results, these formulas can accurately estimate the shear stiffness and capacity of the two types of connectors.

Source: Engineering Structures

DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.123780

Authors: Chipui Chao, Ran Ding, Hongming Lu, Xin Nie, Jiansheng Fan

Institution: Tsinghua University

Language: English

Topic: Structural Load-Bearing Analysis

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,620

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China