Development and Application of Large-Size Shear Studs to Steel Girder Bridges

This paper presents the development and recent applications of 31.8 mm (1¼ in.) studs to steel girder bridges. The new studs have double the cross-sectional area of 22.2 mm (7/8 in.) studs, resulting in a reduction of the number of studs needed to achieve full composite action with the concrete deck by 50%. Use of the 31.8 mm (1¼ in.) studs has many advantages: (1) increase of fabrication and construction speed, (2) ease of deck construction, (3) ease of deck removal, and reduction of the possibility of damage to studs and girder top flange during that removal, and (4) enhancement of the safety of field personnel during construction because more space on the top flange is available for walking. Experimental investigation of the 31.8 mm (1¼ in.) stud showed that the stud fatigue and ultimate capacities can be conservatively determined using current AASHTO bridge specifications to achieve full-composite action.