Modeling of the Steel-Concrete Push-Out Test

In steel-concrete composite structures, the behavior of the shear connections is of a great importance. This behavior is generally characterized by the load-slip curve obtained from experimental push-out tests, however expensive and time-consuming. In this study, a numerical model is developed to represent the behavior of a push-out test. The theoretical model considers the non linear behavior of steel and concrete of the modeled specimens. The model is validated on the basis of experimental results from 4 push-out tests with samples using headed studs. The real behavior of the studs was simulated by a three-dimensional quarter-scale finite element model using software ATENA. The finite element calculation can represent well the real behavior of the push-out test. Then, the model has been used for further parametric analysis with flange thickness and different spacing of the studs.