Research on Angle Connector in Composite Beam

As a critical component for steel beam and concrete slab to work together, the strength of the shear connector affects the flexural load capacity and stiffness of the composite beam. Connectors were generally studied for longitudinal shear resistance. However, transverse shear needs to be considered when the main beam is far away and the transverse connection is weak. In this paper, an angle connector pre-embedded in the precast slab was proposed, and its pre-embedded position makes it exhibit better transverse shear resistance. To assess the strength, stiffness, and slip capacity of the angle connector, two groups of composite beam with precast slabs negative moment flexural were tested, then several finite element groups were simulated in push-out test. The test variable was the existence of angle connectors, and the variables simulated were the yield strength of the angle connector and its flange thickness. The results showed that the composite beam with angle connectors has greater stiffness than ordinary ones, with little difference in flexural strength capacity and less slippage. The results show that angle connectors can replace extending rebars in precast slabs, which will reduce construction costs. In addition, a new design equation was proposed, including the yield strength of the connector and the thickness of its flange which are not unified in the current equations. The simulations determined the strength of the angle connectors in relation to the yield strength of the angle connector and its web thickness.