Experimental shear resistance evaluation of Y-type perfobond rib shear connector

Recently due to the increase in the construction of the steel–concrete composite structures, researches on shear connector which is capable of composite behavior of two members have been widely studied. This study evaluated the behavior of Y-type perfobond rib shear connector which is superior in shear resistance and ductility than conventional perfobond rib shear connector. Also, it suggested a shear resistance equation based on the push-out test. Firstly, various types of the proposed Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors have been examined to evaluate the effect on design variables such as strength of concrete, transverse rebar, thickness of rib, and Y-shape angle. As a result, the experiment showed that the higher the concrete strength, the shear resistance increased, while ductility decreased. In addition, transverse rebar significantly impacted both shear resistance and ductility to increase. Moreover, as thickness of ribs increased, shear resistance increased and ductility decreased. It was also proven that Y-shape angle has an effect on shear resistance and ductility to grow. Furthermore, it was indicated that Y-type perfobond rib shear connector has higher shear resistance and ductility than the conventional perfobond rib shear connector by comparing and estimating the experimental results. Lastly, the effect of bearing resistance, transverse rebar, dowel resistance by holes, and dowel resistance by Y-shape ribs on shear resistance was estimated by regression analysis. Through the result, the shear resistance equation was suggested to predict shear resistance of Y-type perfobond shear connector.

► An advanced shear connector, Y-type perfobond rib shear connector, has been proposed.
► Push-out tests were conducted to evaluate the shear resistance and ductility of it.
► The push-out test results showed that it has high shear resistance and ductility.
► Deformed shape of shear connectors were shown after the push-out tests.
► Shear resistance equation for Y-type perfobond rib shear connector has been proposed.