Experimental assessment of the composite joints shear connector component

One of the methods adopted for the composite semi-rigid beam to column joints characterization is the component method present in the Eurocodes 3 and 4 that considers the composite action in the model by incorporating the component contributions of the reinforcing bars, concrete and shears connectors. However, the model is based on not fully validated assumptions of the composite joints structural response mainly located in hogging moment regions. All these aspect have limited the adoption of this method for composite joints design. These issues motivated the conception and development of an experimental programme to investigate semi-rigid beam to column joints, by means of pull out tests. The present paper focus on tests that presented failure modes associated to the shear connector failure. Additionally a study was also made on the resistance of shear connector welds. This investigation was provoked to some observed shear connector weld failures in a few pull out tests. The tests results enabled a better understanding of the shear connector weld resistance and their impacts and influence over the global semi-rigid beam to column joints structural response.