Research and developments on strength and durability prediction of composite beams utilising bolted shear connectors (Review)

The use of bolted shear connectors in both new construction and for strengthening damaged and substandard infrastructures has become an attractive option to increase the load-carrying capacity or fatigue strength of a design. This paper reviews the research on the feasibility of using bolted connectors to strengthen steel-concrete beams in the following areas: the load-slip behaviour and fatigue performance of bolted shear connectors in contrast to headed stud connectors. Based on these reviews, the failure modes of shear connectors (bolts and headed studs) have also been identified. The paper makes recommendations that can be adapted by practicing engineers in the design of bolted shear connector under static and fatigue loading.