Behaviour of perfobond rib shear connectors: push-out tests

This paper summarizes the results of tests performed on 48 push-out specimens to investigate the feasibility of using perfobond rib type shear connectors in composite beams with ribbed metal decks placed parallel to the steel beams. The perfobond rib shear connector is a flat steel plate containing a number of holes. The results indicate that perfobond rib connectors can be effectively used in composite beams with ribbed metal decks placed parallel to the steel beams. An appreciable improvement in performance was observed in test specimens when additional reinforcing bars were passed through the perfobond rib holes. Shank shear was the principal mode of failure in specimens with headed studs. In specimens with perfobond rib, failure was triggered by the longitudinal splitting of the concrete slab, followed by the crushing of concrete in front of the perfobond rib.