Influence of Coarse Aggregates on the Shear Resistance of Perfobond Rib Shear Connector

This paper shows the effect of coarse aggregates in concrete with perfobond rib via experimental and FE analysis. First, the model of a single PBL in ordinary concrete was reproduced through a three-dimensional nonlinear FE model. Coarse aggregates were added to the model; it was found that the coarse aggregates around the perforation of PBL increased its initial load-carrying capacity. Furthermore, the interlocking of these coarse aggregates was found to affect PBL behavior after the peak of load-carrying capacity. Next, analytical numerical modeling of push-out tests of single PBL was performed to investigate the role of coarse aggregates. It was confirmed that the initial load-carrying capacity could be increased via the vertical loading stress from the steel to the coarse aggregates. Finally, the numerical modeling results were verified by actual push-out tests of single PBL with systematically sorted coarse aggregates.