Structural behaviour of T-Perfobond shear connectors in composite girders: An experimental approach

This paper presents the results from eighteen push-out tests made at the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Coimbra, Portugal, on T-Perfobond shear connectors. The investigated variables were: concrete slab thickness, concrete compressive strength, connector geometry, relative position of the connector to the direction of loading, shear connector hole number and disposition, among others. The results are presented and discussed, focusing on the T-Perfobond structural response in terms of shear transfer capacity, ductility and collapse modes. Finally, a comparison of the experimental results with existing analytical formulae was also made to develop guidelines for designing the T-Perfobond connectors.