Structural performance of steel-concrete composite bridges utilising innovative blind bolt shear connectors

The purpose of this research is to identify more efficient and reliable connection methods to design a composite steel/concrete structural system with a focus on sustainability. While using innovative blind bolt shear connectors into substitute for the welded stud brings several benefits regarding constructability and sustainability, research contributions on the high strength blind bolt shear connector are very limited. Therefore, in this study, several push-out test specimens were carried out, in accordance with the Eurocode 4 standards, for both the traditional welded stud and the blind bolt shear connector, to determine the ultimate capacity, ductility, stiffness, stress-strain and load versus slip performance. In addition, finite element analysis has been done on the two types of shear connectors to determine the factors influencing static strength of shear connectors. The feasibility and accuracy of the 3-D finite element model developed in this work was validated by comparing with experimental results obtained from push-out tests. Experimental and finite element modelling results revealed that the blind bolt shear connectors would be an appropriate alternative to the traditional welded stud for sustainable purposes under static loading conditions.