Experimental study on shear connection in unfilled composite steel grid bridge deck

This paper describes the results of experimental tests on the shear connection of the unfilled composite steel grid deck. To investigate the slip behavior and the shear strength of the connection, a total of 14 push-out specimens with variables for the number of holes, the area of reinforcements through holes, and the reinforcement diameter, were fabricated and push-out tests were performed. From the test results, each contribution affecting the shear resistance of the connection such as the friction force between the steel beam and the concrete, the concrete dowels, and the shear force due to reinforcement bars, was evaluated experimentally. An analytical expression was developed based on an existing formula used to predict the shear resistance of the connection. The equation predicts the shear strength to within 10% of the experimental results for the connection with reinforcing bars.