Experimental study of push-out test of circular steel tube with various types of shear connectors

This paper describes an experimental study on steel tube beam section as an alternative to I-section. Twelve push-out tests have been carried out on four groups consist of two section types and three shear connection types. The main objectives of these tests are to describe the connection behavior and measure the shear strength and stiffness of shear connectors. The results have been recorded and discussed, focusing on failure mode, load-slip curves, strength, and stiffness. A comparison of the test results with the ultimate shear resistance calculated from different design codes and authors was made. Experimental results showed that the current design formulas for the stud, angle and perfobond connectors with I-section can be used to calculate the resistance of shear connector with composite steel tube section. The results show that very close relations between the studs shear resistance and stiffness with I-section and circular tube. The ultimate strength of perfobond connector exceeded the ultimate shear strength of two studs due to the transverse reinforcement area through holes. The equations adopted in some common design codes can be used to determine the shear capacity of connectors with composite steel tube section.