Investigation of channel shear connectors for composite concrete and steel T-beam

This paper evaluates the behavior of channel shear connectors, embedded in a concrete slab, with different concrete materials. The results of a series of limited push-out specimens were presented and discussed. The push-out tests comprise of channel shear connectors in different types of concrete. Reinforcement was included in some specimens, as well. The results showed that using reinforcements in concrete slab, enhances the ductility and shear capacity of the composite system and using channels embedded in unconfined normal concrete, has a brittle performance. The channel shear capacity is less in the lightweight aggregate concrete, compared to the normal ones. Adequate ductility was reported for the channel shear connectors in most of the concrete types. In addition, it was verified that the channel connector presents a very rigid behavior, during the primary phase of loading. Using channel connectors with longer length can increase the ductility of the system. In general, the channel shear connector showed a ductile behavior. The results verified using channel shear connectors, embedded in tested concrete, in composite structures. The results also discussed the effect of different concrete types, on the ductility and load–displacement performance of the specimens.