Experimental investigation of connection details for precast deck panels on concrete girders in composite deck construction

•Three connections were compared for composite action for precast bridge construction.•Confined shear studs provided best performance among connection types considered.•All connection types exceeded the predicted capacity using the shear-friction theory.•Design example highlights shear stud clusters for precast bridge construction.

Full-depth precast concrete bridge deck panels are connected to the girders on site by shear connectors to create a composite action and to prevent relative movement between the beam and the precast deck during all loading levels. This research study experimentally investigates different connection details that can provide a load transfer mechanism between concrete girders and precast deck panels to ensure full composite action. Three connection details were investigated: unconfined studs, confined studs and rebar dowels. Six specimens were cast and tested in direct pull-out or push-off tests. The confined studs showed the highest shear capacity at low displacement levels as well as the highest pull-out capacity. However, the three configurations showed higher capacities than expected according to the Canadian highway bridge design code.