Shear behaviour of perfobond rib shear connector under static and cyclic loadings

Abstract

In this study, a series of push-out tests for perfobond rib shear connectors were conducted to examine their shear behaviour under static and cyclic loading. The test specimens were designed to examine the effects of the concrete dowel actions, transverse rebars in the rib holes and cyclic load. The effect of the pure concrete dowel actions was observed as 65% of the static shear capacity in test specimens without transverse rebars, and the transverse rebars in the rib holes increased the shear capacity about twofold. After the cyclic load, the residual shear capacity of specimens without transverse rebars decreased to about 65% that of static shear capacity. However, the residual shear resistance of the specimens assembled with transverse rebars did not decrease. Thus, perfobond rib shear connector specimens with transverse rebars in their holes show an increase in shear capacity under cyclic load as well as static load. Therefore, it is considered that if perfobond rib shear connectors are used in bridges subjected to cyclic loads, transverse rebars should be installed in their holes to prevent a decrease in their shear capacity owing to cyclic loads.