Numerical analysis of tilted angle shear connectors in steel-concrete composite systems

Abstract

This study investigates numerically the behavior of tilted angle shear connectors embedded in solid concrete slabs. Two different tilted angle connectors were used, titled angle with 112.5 and 135 degrees between the angle leg and steel beam flange. A nonlinear finite element model was developed to simulate and validate the experimental push-out tests. Parametric studies were performed to investigate the variations in concrete strength and connector's dimensions. The results indicate that the ultimate strength of a tilted angle shear connector is directly related to the square root of the concrete compressive strength. The effects of variations in the geometry of tilted angle connectors on the shear capacity are discussed in details. Based on the numerical analyses, two equations are proposed to estimate the ultimate capacity of tilted angle shear connectors of 112.5 and 135 degrees in the defined range of parameters.