Behavior of a new shear connector for U-shaped steel-concrete hybrid beams

This paper presents an investigation of the behavior of a new type of shear connectors used in U-shaped steel-concrete hybrid beams. Besides the role in transferring the force between concrete and steel material, this new type of shear connectors, welded on the upper flange of the U-shaped steel beam, serves to maintain the shape of the steel cross-section during concrete encasement. Several forms of shear connectors can be used such as L-shaped or square cross-section. The experimental investigation of the behavior of these shear connectors using asymmetrical push-out tests is presented in this paper. A finite element model has been developed in order to identify the stress behavior of the connectors and the surrounding concrete. The FE model is validated by comparing its results against experimental data and then used to perform a parametric study. Based on the parametric study results, an analytical formula for calculating the force transfer capacity of the shear connector is proposed.