Shear resistance of the perfobond-rib shear connector depending on concrete strength and rib arrangement

In this study, a perfobond-rib shear connector between steel and concrete mixed girder bridge components is described. Push-out tests were conducted and the results were compared with established shear-capacity equations for perfobond shear connectors. Modified shear-capacity equations that consider the perfobond-rib arrangement, including rib height and spacing, are proposed. The test results were compared with studies of the concrete end-bearing zone, of transverse rebars in the rib holes, and of the shear-capacity equations of perfobond ribs. From the push-out tests, the shear capacity of the perfobond-rib shear connector varies in proportion to concrete strength, as indicated by the increase in the contribution to the shear resistance of the concrete. The ductility of the conductor is related to the flexibility limit of the transverse rebar in the rib hole. The shear capacity of a twin perfobond-rib shear connector was reduced to about 80% that of a single perfobond rib by reducing the shear capacity contributed by the concrete end-bearing zone, the concrete dowel, and the transverse rebar in the rib hole. The perfobond rib can be used as a shear connector in composite or mixed structures since it has sufficient ductility as well as high shear capacity.