Experimental evaluation of the structural response of Perfobond shear connectors

This paper presents an experimental study of the structural response of the Perfobond connector with various geometry configurations. The experimental programme was performed at the Civil Engineering Department, University of Coimbra, Portugal, and consisted of eight push-out tests conducted in accordance with the Eurocode 4 (2005) [18]. The investigated variables were the number of connector holes and the presence of reinforcing steel bars at the connector holes. In addition, the possible interaction of two Perfobond connectors side by side was also investigated. Other parameters such as the connector shape, concrete resistance and slab geometry kept constant values throughout this study. The experimental results are presented and discussed, focusing on the connection resistance, ductility and failure modes. Finally, the experimental results are compared to the existing analytical model formulae to predict the shear connector load carrying capacity.