Calibration of ductile and shear damage models for carbon and stainless steel shear studs

Steel‐concrete composite beams are commonly used in bridge construction. The corrosion of the supporting steel beams and the shear connectors are however known as a major cause of premature deterioration of composite bridges. Stainless steel beams and shear connectors offer a viable alternative solution to the steel corrosion problem in composite bridges located in harsh environmental conditions. This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations of the tensile and shear behaviour of stainless steel welded shear connectors. The results of tensile coupon and double shear tests on stainless steel and carbon steel shear connectors to characterise the tensile and shear response are reported. Numerical modelling is carried out using the ABAQUS finite element software to develop calibrated ductile damage and shear damage fracture models for stainless steel shear connectors. The development and validation of the numerical models together with the calibration of the fracture models are presented and comparisons are made with those of carbon steel shear connectors.