RESEARCH ON MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF PBL SHEAR CONNECTORS CONSIDERING THE PERFORATED PLATE’S THICKNESS

The mechanical properties of PBL shear connectors used in steel-concrete composite structures are influenced by various parameters. Push-out tests of 24 specimens in 6 groups are conducted to investigate the influence of perforated plate’s thickness on the mechanical properties of PBL shear connectors. Based on the load-slip curve, the load transfer mechanism and the failure mechanism of PBL shear connectors are analyzed. The impact of perforate plate’s thickness on failure mode was studied. The following conclusions are obtained from the research. The design bearing capacity, shear stiffness and ultimate bearing capacity are significantly influenced by the thickness of the perforated plates. The major shear resistance of PBL shear connectors is initially provided by concrete dowels when the load is relatively small, and then provided by perforated rebar after the concrete dowels’ failure. Under the influence of the perforated plate’s thickness, the failure modes of PBL shear connector include flexural and shear failure of perforate rebar, shear failure of perforate rebar and shear failure of perforate plates. In combination with domestic typical push-out tests, the bearing capacity formula of PBL shear connectors considering the perforate plate’s thickness is deduced and proved by experimental results.