3D finite-element analysis of shear connectors with partial interaction

Abstract

A three-dimensional (3D) finite-element (FE) model with multiple elements was used to simulate a shear connector with static loading. The behaviour of the steel-in-concrete connection was critical to the global behaviour of the structural element. The geometry and material non-linearities of the studded steel beam shear connector were included in the finite-element model. Contact regions between the concrete and steel elements were simulated using surface-to-surface and embedment techniques. The resulting shear capacity for the studs was compared with several codes of practice. The data for a load–slip curve of shear connectors in composite structures were limited to data obtained from the experimental push-out tests. The model was used to estimate the load–slip curve and to analyse the mechanical behaviour of the connectors – such as the stress distribution – which is usually difficult to evaluate through testing. It was demonstrated that, after careful calibration against test data, the finite-element model was able to predict accurate results for the slip. The reliability of the model was checked against the test results, and it was found that the numerical results for the load–slip curve were in good agreement with the test results.