Experimental investigation and design of corroded stud shear connectors

Abstract

In this study, the effect of corrosion on the static behavior of stud shear connectors was investigated. Two series of push test specimens having different stud diameters were fabricated according to Eurocode 4. The test specimens were first corroded to different corrosion rates by electronic accelerating method. Static loading tests were then performed to obtain the load-slip curves and ultimate strengths of corroded test specimens. Material properties of the concrete and steel studs used in the test specimens were also measured. Actual corrosion rates were measured from the studs obtained from the tested specimens. Design methods specified in current design standards are used to predict the design strengths of test specimens. It is shown that the design strengths are unconservative for corroded test specimens. Therefore, a new design equation is proposed which enables the designer to consider the effect of corrosion.