Resistance of headed studs subjected to fatigue loading: Part I: Experimental study

In steel-concrete composite structures the transfer of longitudinal shear forces at the interface between steel and concrete is mostly realized by headed shear studs. Especially in bridges due to traffic loads these shear connectors are subjected to high-cycle loading and the fatigue resistance governs the design. In this first part of two companion papers a series of experimental work with standard EC4 push-out specimens is presented. The main purpose of these tests was to determine the fatigue life and a possible reduction of the static strength of the headed shear studs subjected to unidirectional cyclic loading. A further aspect was to examine the effects of the loading sequence and damage accumulation on the fatigue life. The results of the experimental investigations show that due to a crack initiation at the stud foot at 10%-15% of the fatigue life, an early reduction of the static strength is caused. Furthermore tests to examine the effects of the loading sequence on the fatigue life revealed that the linear damage accumulation hypothesis according to Palmgren and Miner on which the present design codes are based do not describe the real behaviour.     

Resistance of headed studs subjected to fatigue loading Part II: Analytical study

Most design codes consider the static and fatigue resistance of composite steel-concrete structures with separate verifications for ultimate limit state and the limit state of fatigue. For headed shear studs both verifications are based on worldwide performed experimental investigations with push-out specimens. The determination of the fatigue life of headed shear studs in recent European codes is based on the S-N curve developed from the statistical analysis of a great number of cyclic push-out tests. The S-N curve considers the shear stress range as the only loading parameter. In addition, the maximum shear force is limited at serviceability limit states in order to avoid significant inelastic behaviour. However, recent researches showed that beside the shear stress range, also the peak load and the static strength of the shear studs influence the fatigue life. Based on the results of the 71 push-out tests presented in the earlier companion paper, international push-out tests to determine the fatigue life of headed shear studs in solid concrete slabs are sorted and reanalyzed and analytical expressions are developed to predict the fatigue life and the reduced static strength after high cycle preloading. Furthermore, the linear damage accumulation hypothesis according to Palmgren and Miner is modified and improved to consider load sequence effects and non-linear behaviour.     

Neue Untersuchungen zum Ermüdungsverhalten von Kopfbolzendübeln

New investigations on the fatigue behaviour of headed shear studs. In current national and international standards the determination of the ultimate load capacity and the fatigue life of headed shear studs subjected to high‐cycle loading take place with separate and independent verifications at the ultimate limit state, serviceability limit state and fatigue limit state, respectively. The effect of predamage due to fatigue loading is not considered. The paper deals with new research based on a comprehensive program of experimental investigations which considers the crack propagation through the stud foot and the local damage of concrete surrounding the stud as relevant consequences of high cycle loading. New design methods to predict the fatigue life and the residual strength after high cycle loading as well as the development of an improved damage accumulation hypothesis are the main subjects of this paper.     

Neue Untersuchungen zum Ermüdungsverhalten von Verbundträgern aus hochfesten Werkstoffen mit Kopfbolzendübeln und Puzzleleiste

New investigations on the fatigue behavior of composite beams made of high strength materials with two different kinds of shear connection. Scope of the research project [1] was the investigation of the fatigue behaviour of different shear connectors (headed studs ∅︁ 22 mm and puzzle‐strip) together with high strength materials (steel S 460 and concrete C 80/95). For both types of shear connectors cyclic push‐out‐tests as well as large scale experiments with composite beams under cyclic loading have been carried out. The headed studs failed after a mean lifetime of 2,3 million cycles, the residual strength after 1 million cycles was reduced by about 25% compared to the static push‐out strength. In the puzzle‐strip cracks were visible, however, the residual strength was not reduced at all. Further, the push‐out tests with headed studs show a slight improvement of the fatigue behaviour using high strongth concrete (HSC). The cyclic beam tests show that the prediction of the fatigue according to EC 4 – as for specimens with normal strength materials – is not satisfactory. A good prediction of the crack propagation (and fatigue) can rather be achieved by using a crack‐slip‐relationship [6]. Also for shear joints with continuous puzzle‐strips a threshold value can be determined by fracture mechanics to which no further crack propagation (theoretically) occurs. However, this depends on the state of the cutting‐induced heat treatment of the surface material and on the surface roughness.     

Zur Vorhersage des Rißfortschritts bei einbetonierten Kopfbolzendübeln in Verbundträgern unter nicht ruhender Belastung

Realistic prediction of crack propagation of headed studs in composite beams under cyclic loading. The article gives appropriate cyclic load‐displacement‐laws and crack‐propagation‐laws in composite gaps of beams with headed studs ∅︁ 22 mm as well as realistic analytical procedures to determine the load‐displacement state of a composite beam under cyclic loading. The given models are based on a series of displacement controlled Push‐Out‐Tests and verified by cyclically loaded beam tests. Using the derived relationships it is now possible to predict rather exactly the fatigue lifetime of headed studs in composite beams. Further a design method in the limit state of fatigue is proposed.     

Trag‐ und Ermüdungsverhalten liegender Kopfbolzendübel unter Quer‐ und Längsschub

Structural and fatigue behaviour of horizontally lying shear studs subjected to vertical and longitudinal shear. In consideration of structural, manufacturing and economic aspects new interesting composite cross sections for buildings and bridges consisting of reinforced concrete and structural steel lead to a horizontally lying arrangement of headed shear studs influenced by edge proximity. Compared to common vertical shear studs the relatively small distance of horizontally lying shear studs from the edge of the slab leads to different bedding conditions of the connectors within the surrounding reinforced concrete material, which results in differing structural and fatigue behaviour of this type of shear connection. For future applications of horizontally lying shear studs on the basis of experimental and theoretical investigations design rules for the shear connection subjected to monotonic vertical shear, monotonic vertical and longitudinal shear and cyclic longitudinal shear are presented.     

Zum Tragverhalten von Verbunddübeln — Teil 2: Ermüdungsverhalten

Verbunddübel stellen eine sehr tragfähige und robuste Verbindung zwischen Stahlbauteilen und Betonquerschnitten dar. Mittels Verbunddübelleisten lassen sich neue Querschnitte für den konstruktiven Ingenieurbau entwickeln. Der erste Teil der Veröffentlichung befasste sich mit der Technologie der Verbunddübel, deren Tragverhalten und der Bemessung der Verbindung unter ruhender Belastung. Für den Einsatz in Brücken ist das Verhalten unter dynamischen Lasten von Bedeutung und Schwerpunkt dieses Beitrages. Das Ermüdungsverhalten der neuartigen Verbindung wird anhand von zyklisch belasteten Biegeträgern untersucht, mit numerischen Simulationen verglichen und ein Bemessungsvorschlag auf Grundlage des Strukturspannungskonzeptes vorgestellt. Dabei wird sich auf die Betrachtung von Dübelleisten mit modifizierter Klothoidenform (MCL) beschränkt. Load bearing behaviour of composite dowels — Fatigue behaviour (part II). Composite dowels realise a high load bearing capacity and ductile connection between steel members and concrete parts. Using these composite dowels for shear transmission new systems of composite construction can be designed. The first part deals with the technology of composite dowels, it’s bearing behaviour and the design of the connection under static loads. For the use in bridges the cyclic load bearing behaviour becomes more important and on this is the focus of this paper. The behaviour of the new connection under fatigue loads is investigated by cyclic loaded simple supported beam tests compared to numerical simulations and a design concept is established on the basis of a hot spot model. The investigations are restricted to composite dowels implementing the modified clothoidal shape (MCL).     

Über die Querkrafttragfähigkeit des Betongurts von Verbundträgern im Bereich von großen Stegöffnungen

Im folgenden Teil 2 wird ein Nachweiskonzept für den Betongurt im Öffnungsbereich vorgestellt. Es basiert auf den im Teil 1 erläuterten Ergebnissen der umfangreichen rechnerischen und experimentellen Untersuchungen. Das Nachweiskonzept sieht entsprechend den verschiedenen im Versuch beobachteten Versagensarten drei Querkraftnachweise für den Betongurt vor, wobei die Querkrafttragfähigkeiten in Anlehnung an die bekannten in DIN 1045‐1 angegebenen Formeln nachgewiesen werden. Damit kann auch die festgestellte lokale Wirkung der Kopfbolzendübel als Querkraftbewehrung berücksichtigt werden. Die Ermittlung der einwirkenden Querkräfte des Betongurts erfolgt anhand der Steifigkeiten des oberen und unteren Teilträgers und der Steifigkeit des Betongurts. On the Shear‐Bearing Capacity of the Concrete Slab of Composite Beams in the Region of Large Web Openings – Part 2: Design Concept In part 2 of the report, a concept for the design of the concrete slab in the region of web openings is presented. It is based on the results of the extensive experimental und numerical investigations which are described in. Resulting from the different occurring failure modes of the concrete slab, three critical shear‐bearing capacities have to be considered. These shear‐bearing capacities are calculated according to the formulas of DIN 1045‐1. In this way, the effect of the headed studs acting as local shear reinforcement can be included. The shear forces of the concrete slab are calculated depending on the stiffness of the top and bottom chord, as well as by the stiffness of the concrete slab.     

Zum Tragverhalten von Verbunddübeln – Teil 1: Tragverhalten unter statischer Belastung

Verbunddübel stellen eine sehr tragfähige und robuste Verbindung auch bei hochfesten Betonen zwischen Stahlbauteilen und Betonquerschnitten dar. Die Herstellung des Stahldübels ist dabei einfach und wirtschaftlich. Mittels Verbunddübelleisten lassen sich neue Querschnitte für den konstruktiven Ingenieurbau entwickeln. Halbierte Walzprofile, die mit der speziellen Geometrie der Verbunddübel geschnitten wurden, werden als außenliegende Bewehrung im Verbundbau eingesetzt. In zwei Teilaufsätzen wird die Bemessung der Verbunddübel für unterschiedliche Randbedingungen und Belastungsarten erläutert. Der erste Beitrag befasst sich mit der Technologie der Verbunddübel, deren Tragverhalten und der Bemessung der Verbindung unter ruhender Belastung. Das Ermüdungsverhalten ist Schwerpunkt in einem zweiten Aufsatz. Die Problemstellung wird ausführlich erläutert und ein Bemessungsvorschlag auf Grundlage des Strukturspannungskonzeptes vorgestellt. Load bearing behaviour of composite dowels – Static loads (part I). Composite dowels realise a high load bearing capacity for connections between concrete and steel. The technology establishes a short time and cost‐effective production process. Using composite dowels for shear transmission new and innovative cross‐sections can be designed. Halved rolled sections which have been cut along with a specific dowel geometry are applied as external reinforcement. The publication is divided into two parts describing design of composite dowels for different boundary conditions and load cases. Foremost the technology, their load bearing behaviour, the design concepts for composite dowels for static loads are highlighted. The behaviour under cyclic load, will be introduced in a second part. The fatigue behaviour will be explained in detail and design concepts based upon the hot spot stress will be given.     

Experimental study of screw connections in CFS-calcium silicate board wall panels

Cold-formed steel (CFS) wall panels with different board materials are used extensively in residential and commercial buildings to resist lateral loads by in-plane shear, in addition to helping the studs resist gravity loads. Generally the screw connection between the board and CFS skeleton frame, which experience shear, dictates the behaviour and strength of such panels. In this paper, details of an experimental study on behaviour and strength of the screw connections between the cold-formed steel profiles and calcium silicate boards, under monotonic and cyclic shear loading, are presented. The objectives of the experimental study are: (a) to develop a new test procedure that realistically represents the behaviour and failure of screw connections in CFS wall panels; (b) to investigate the effect of edge distance of the screws and thickness of the boards on behaviour and strength; (c) to study behaviour under monotonic and cyclic loading; (d) to develop the values of the important parameters that determine the load–deformation behaviour of the screw connection in such wall panels under in-plane shear; and (e) to develop design equation to evaluate the ultimate shear strength and its resistance factor required in load resistance factor design (LRFD).     

Performance of cellular composite floor beams at elevated temperatures

This paper describes an experimental and numerical study at both ambient and elevated temperatures on the behaviour of full-scale composite floor cellular steel beams. A total of four specimens, comprising two different steel geometries and loading conditions were tested under monotonic loading and at elevated temperatures. All beams were designed for a full shear connection between the steel beam and the concrete flange using headed shear studs. The beams were designed to fail by web-post buckling, which was observed in all the tests. Failure temperature observed in the fire tests indicated that failure by web-post buckling of cellular beams in fire cannot simply be estimated by applying temperature dependent reduction factors on stiffness, as given in codes. A finite element model is then established with both material and geometrical non-linearity using shell elements to compare against the experimental results. The comparison between the finite element prediction and actual test results are quite good in terms of failure modes, load deflection behaviour and ultimate loads.     

Experimental and analytical study on fatigue behavior of composite truss joints

In order to fully understand the performance of composite joints in a truss bridge with double decks, fatigue tests of three composite joints with different connectors such as headed studs, concrete dowels and perforated plates under constant repeated loading were carried out, and the responses of displacement, strain distribution, crack development, relative slip between concrete and steel were observed after different loading cycles. The experimental results showed that the deflection increased almost linearly with applied load even after certain repeated loading cycles, but the stiffness reduced gradually with the repeated loading cycles. No serious damage occurred except tiny cracks at the steel–concrete interface caused by slip after 2 million repeated loading cycles, which means all three composite joints have good fatigue performance. Based on experimental works, three dimensional finite element models of composite joints were established. The results from finite element analysis were consistent with those from tests in terms of strength and stiffness. Finally, the fatigue details involving reinforcing bars, welding seams and shear connectors were evaluated according to related specifications. The presented overall investigation may provide reference for design and construction of composite joints in composite truss bridges.     

Experimental investigation of composite shear panels under cyclic loading

The paper reports the experimental investigation of composite shear panels, composed of steel columns incorporated in concrete panels by means of headed shear studs, under reversible cyclic loading. Results are presented for push-out tests on small specimens and for whole panels. The response of two composite panels is compared to that of a conventional reinforced concrete panel of similar design parameters, serving as control. The results indicate that while ductility of the composite panel with unmodified connection is somewhat lower than that of the control panel, damage to the panel is substantially reduced. Composite panel with voids at studs’ roots displays enhanced ductility and energy absorption capacity. Other means of enhancing these parameters are discussed. An approximate, simplified analytical model based on push-out tests, yields a good qualitative prediction of panel response with conservative values of capacity, ductility and energy absorption.     

Querkraftversuche an Spannbetonträgern mit carbontextilbewehrter Spritzmörtelverstärkung unter zyklischer Beanspruchung

Shear tests on prestressed concrete beams strengthened with carbon textile reinforced spray mortar under cyclic loading Many highway bridges in Germany exhibit shear capacity deficits under static and cyclic loading. A lot of structures are expected to demand refurbishment and strengthening within the next years, especially due to the current condition of many older road bridges in Europe. Different strengthening methods with specific advantages and disadvantages have proven to be suitable for the shear strengthening of bridges. In order to investigate the effect of an additional spray mortar layer with carbon textile reinforcement on the webs on the shear capacity, two tests on prestressed concrete beams were carried out at the Institute of Structural Concrete at RWTH Aachen University. The results of the tests were compared with previous tests on two identical beams which were not strengthened. The tests have shown that the strengthening measure leads to a considerably higher shear resistance concerning cyclic loading as well as the remaining static shear capacity.     

Seismic behavior analysis for composite structures of steel frame‐reinforced concrete infill wall

The composite structure of steel frame–reinforced concrete infill wall (CSRC) combines the advantages of steel frames and reinforced concrete shear walls. Reinforced concrete infill walls increase the lateral stiffness of steel frames and reduce seismic demands on steel frames thus providing opportunities to use partially restrained connections. In order to study seismic behavior and load transfer mechanism of CSRC, a two‐story one‐bay specimen was tested under cyclic loads. With that, the main characters such as, strength, stiffness, ductility, energy dissipation, load distribution, performance of steel frames, partially restrained connections and studs, are analyzed and evaluated. The experimental results show that the structure has adequate strength redundancy and sufficient lateral stiffness. The CSRC system has good ductility and energy dissipation capability. Partially restrained connections could enhance ductility and avoid abrupt decreases in strength and stiffness after the failure of infill walls. The composite interaction is ensured by headed studs, which have failed because of low‐cycle fatigue. Steel frames bear 80%–100% of overturning moments, and the remainder is undertaken by infill walls; steel frames and infill walls resisted 10%–20% and 80%–90% of lateral loads, respectively. Furthermore, relevant design recommendations are presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Zur Bemessung von Lochleisten als duktile Verbundmittel in Verbundträgern aus höherfesten Materialien

Im Rahmen eines gemeinsamen FuE‐Projekts der HOCHTIEF Construction AG und ArcelorMittal Belval & Differdange S. A. wurden umfangreiche experimentelle und theoretische Untersuchungen an Lochleisten als duktiles Verbundmittel durchgeführt. Ziel der Untersuchung ist die Entwicklung technisch hochwertiger und wirtschaftlicher Verbundbauteile aus höherfesten Werkstoffen (z. B. Beton C50/60 und Stahl S460), [1] bis [4]. Hierbei wurden insbesondere das Tragverhalten, die Traglast, die Duktilität und die Dauerfestigkeit von unterschiedlichen Lochleistenformen sowie das Gesamttragverhalten von Verbundbauteilen mit Lochleisten untersucht. Aufbauend auf den in Versuchen gewonnenen Erkenntnisse wurden Bemessungskonzepte für Lochleisten als Verbundmittel in Verbundträgern aus höherfesten Materialien entwickelt. Design of aperture plates as ductile shear connectors for composite beams with high strength materials. Within a joint research project of HOCHTIEF Construction AG and ArcelorMittal Belval & Differdange S. A. various experimental and theoretical investigations in aperture plates, as ductile shear connector for composite members have been carried out. The aim of the research has been to develop technically advanced and economic composite members with the application of high strength materials (e.g. steel S460 and concrete C50/60). The main focus of the research has been put on the load bearing behaviour, ultimate bearing capacity, ductility and fatigue resistance of different types of aperture plates geometries as well as the related overall bearing performance of the composite members with the application of these plates as shear connectors. Based on the conclusions from the experimental test results, design concepts for aperture plates as shear connectors for composite beams with the application of high strength materials have been developed.     

Durchstanzen von Flachdecken bei hohen Stützenlasten

Sollen Hochbauten eine flexible Raumnutzung erlauben, stellen Systeme aus Stahlbeton‐Flachdecken und Stützen eine wirtschaftliche und effiziente Lösung dar. Die Stützen dieser Bauten werden häufig aus hochfestem Beton vorfabriziert und stark bewehrt, um hohe Normalkräfte mit minimalen Querschnitten aufnehmen zu können. Der oft aus normalfestem Beton bestehende Deckenteil, der zwischen den übereinanderstehenden Stützen liegt, wird dabei ganz beträchtlichen Druckbeanspruchungen ausgesetzt. Zudem erfährt die Deckenplatte um die Stütze eine starke Querkraftbeanspruchung, so dass der Durchstanzwiderstand maßgebend werden kann. Der vorliegende Aufsatz untersucht die Interaktion zwischen den vertikalen Druckbeanspruchungen in der Deckenplatte und dem Durchstanzwiderstand mit Hilfe einer Versuchsreihe an sechs Plattenausschnitten (3,00 x 3,00 x 0,25 m) unter verschiedenen Lastkombinationen. Aufgrund der Versuchsresultate wird ein einfaches Bemessungsmodell vorgestellt. Dieses Modell basiert auf dem Ansatz der DIN 1045‐1 für den Durchstanzwiderstand von Decken ohne Querbewehrung, die einer horizontalen Druckspannung ausgesetzt sind (z. B. Vorspannung). Die mit dem Modell errechneten Resultate stimmen gut mit jenen der Versuche überein – sowohl beim Widerstand wie bei der beobachteten Bruchart. Interaction between column loading and punching shear strength in flat slabs without transverse reinforcement Flat slabs supported by columns are cost efficient solutions for high‐rise buildings. To reduce the cross section of the columns, the columns are typically precast with high strength concrete and include large amounts of longitudinal reinforcement. On the contrary, the slab between columns is typically cast‐in‐place with normal strength concrete. Thus, the slab is subjected in the support region of the columns to large transverse compressive stresses, which may exceed its uniaxial compressive strength. In addition, the flat slab around the column region has to carry large shear stresses, which may potentially lead to punching shear failures. In this paper, the interaction between column loads and shear forces in the support region of a flat slab is investigated by means of an experimental programme consisting of 6 slabs without transverse reinforcement (3.0 x 3.0 x 0.25 m). The flexural reinforcement of the slab was varied as well as the ratio between the column loads and the applied shear forces. On the basis of these results, a theoretical model based on the punching shear approach of DIN 1045‐1 is presented. This model accounts for the compressive stresses in the support region due to column loads and for the potential increase of punching shear strength due to it. A very good agreement between the test results and the theoretical model is obtained both in terms of strength and observed failure modes.     

对组合钢梁-预制空心板中栓钉连接件的性能分析

在钢-混凝土组合梁中,剪切连接件的机械作用使得纵向剪力转移到钢翼缘/混凝土板的接合处。这种转移能力取决于剪切连接件的强度和混凝土板抵抗由剪力高度集中所导致的纵向开裂的能力。大多数对组合结构的分析都集中在传统的钢筋混凝土和金属面板结构,而对预制空心板中栓钉的剪切能力研究很少。本文对带栓钉的预制空心板组合梁结构提出标准的推力试验方法。一共进行7组测试性试验,试验结果显示新方法符合钢筋混凝土楼板规范要求。在确定这个新的标准方法后,对栓钉进行了72个足尺推力试验,确定了该类型连接件的性能,通过分析试验结果,还指出了各类参数对连接件强度和延性的作用。本文还提出了这种剪力连接件的设计公式。     

Capacities of headed stud shear connectors in composite steel beams with precast hollowcore slabs

In steel-concrete composite beams, the longitudinal shear force is transferred across the steel flange/concrete slab interface by the mechanical action of the shear connectors. The ability of the shear connectors to transfer these longitudinal shear forces depends on their strength, and also on the resistance of the concrete slab against longitudinal cracking induced by the high concentration of shear force. Most of the research in composite construction has concentrated on the more traditional reinforced concrete and metal deck construction, and little information is given on shear capacity of the headed studs in precast hollowcore slabs. In this paper, a standard push test procedure for use with composite beams with precast hollowcore slabs is proposed. Seven exploratory push tests were carried out on headed studs in solid RC slabs to validate the testing procedures, and the results showed that the new test is compatible with the results specified in the codes of practice for solid RC slabs. Once a standard procedure is established, 72 full-scale push tests on headed studs in hollowcore slabs were performed to determine the capacities of the headed stud connectors in precast hollowcore slabs and the results of the experimental study are analysed and findings on the effect of all the parameters on connectors’ strength and ductility are presented. Newly proposed design equations for calculating the shear connectors’ capacity for this form of composite construction are also be given.