The modelling of an embossed steel-to-cement paste confined interface loaded in shear

This paper presents experimental and theoretical research that was conducted in order to investigate and model the behaviour of interfaces between embossed steel plates and cement paste loaded in compression and shear. Special attention was paid to the relationships between the maximum shear stress, normal stress, cement paste resistance and embossment geometry. The slip–uplift behaviour was also investigated and shown to highly influence the shear resistance when the uplift movement is restricted by confining boundary conditions. When loaded in compression, these interfaces are able to transfer high shear forces with low slip and can therefore be used in structural applications such as, for example, connections between steel beams and concrete slabs in composite beams for bridges and buildings.