Experimental and numerical analysis of the push-out test on shear studs in hollow core slabs

Prefabricating concrete slabs combined with the speedy erection of steel structures is a good approach to reduce the construction time and optimize construction processes. Composite action between a steel profile and a concrete slab is most commonly established by using headed studs welded to the flange of a steel profile. In this research, an innovative arrangement was proposed for a composite slim floor with the headed stud welded to the steel web inside the hollow core slab. This paper presents the results of an experimental program using push-out tests to determine the shear resistance of the headed studs. In addition, a numerical study of experimental results was conducted to analyse the composite action of headed studs and precast concrete hollow core slabs. The experimental results showed the proposed solution had good behaviour. Theoretical analysis presented safe side predictions of the connector resistance. The finite element model was created, and a satisfactory match with the experimental data was obtained. Parametric FE (Finite Element) analysis was performed by using the variation of the compressive strength of the concrete and yielding strength of the headed studs.