Experimental assessment of channel shear connectors under monotonic and fully reversed cyclic loading in high strength concrete

Two series of modified push-out tests under monotonic and low cycle fatigue load were performed to study the behaviour of channel shear connectors embedded in high strength concrete (HSC) slab. In each series, four push-out specimens were tested covering different sizes of channel shear connector and different strength level of HSC. Evaluation of National Building Code of Canada (NBC) for load capacities of channel shear connectors in HSC is also covered. The results show adequate ductility of channel shear connectors in HSC. All specimens have channel fracture type of failure and showed 8–17% strength degradation under low cyclic fatigue loading compared to the monotonic loading. In application of channel shear connectors embedded in HSC, achieved strength degradation rate is lower than the other concrete types (other types of concrete means those studied in previous investigations, which included plain concrete, reinforced concrete (RC), fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) engineered cementitious composite (ECC), polypropylene (PP) concrete and light weight aggregate concrete (LWAC)). Also, it was determined that the Canadian design code is quite unconservative for the prediction of strength capacity of channel shear connectors in HSC.

► Strength degradation rate of channel shear connectors in HSC is lower than the other concrete types∗.
► Channel connectors in HSC under low cyclic loading showed 8–17% strength degradation compared to the monotonic loading.
► Channel shear connectors embedded in HSC, experienced channel fracture type of failure.
► The Canadian design code is quite unconservative for the prediction of strength capacity of channel shear connectors in HSC.