New Conception of the Shear Connector for Composite Bridge Decks

The research deals with a composite steel and concrete slab used as a bridge deck. The main task is to ensure the suitable connection between two parts of composite plate – steel and concrete. Well known and widely spread are headed studs as the shear connectors. This work describes the behavior of the alternative shear connector especially the utilization of modified concrete reinforcement mesh. The concrete reinforcement mesh is suitable curved and welded on the top of the steel plate in some places and after that the mesh is embedded in concrete. The paper introduces the first phase of the investigation; the preparations for push out tests.