Shear capacity equation for channel shear connectors in steel-concrete composite beams

In this research the effect of high strength concrete (HSC) on shear capability of the channel shear connectors (CSC) in the steel concrete composite floor system was estimated experimentally and analytically. The push-out test was carried out for assessing the accurateness of the proposed model (nonlinear and finite element model) for the test specimens. A parametric analysis was conducted for predicting the shear capacity of the connectors (CSC) in the HSC. Eight push-out specimens of different sizes with different strength levels were tested under the monotonic loading system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) of Canada for analysing the loading abilities of the CSC in the HSC. Using the experimental tests results and verifying the finite element results with them, it was then confirmed by the extended parametric studies that the Canadian Design Code was less efficient for predicting the capacity of the CSC in the HSC. Hence, an alternative equation was formulated for predicting the shear capacity of these connectors during the inclusion of HSC for designing the codes.