Study on the Computing Method of Shear Connector in Steel-Concrete Composite Beam

The shear connectors embedded in the steel-concrete composite beam are serving to prevent the separation between the steel beam and concrete slab, and take advantage of the material properties of steel and concrete simultaneously. However, the computing methods for the shear connectors seem dissimilar in the existing specifications and standards from different countries. Thus, it is necessary to carry out comparative studies on it. This paper summarized the classical computing methods of shear connectors in the current national norms and industrial standards, followed by a comparison conducted in terms of shear capacity and slip limits through a specific case study. The obtained results indicated that, AASHTO LRFD (2004) requires the minimum quantity in headed steel stud because it does not consider the fatigue and crack issues of shear connectors. This work provides a reference for the design of shear connectors in steel-concrete composite beam.