Shear Capacity of Channel Shear Connectors Applied in Composite Slabs with Profiled Steel Decking

This paper assesses the shear capacity and the structural behaviour of channel connectors in composite slabs. Push‐out specimens were analyzed numerically by using the finite element program ABAQUS. For the studied solution, regular openings at the lower flange in the profiled decking are considered to allow the welded channel connector to pass through. The numerical model was calibrated against experimental outputs on push‐out tests found in the literature. Then, the influence of steel decking thickness on load capacity, stiffness and ductility of channel connectors in composite slabs was also assessed. In addition, it was concluded that safe predictions of load capacity could be obtained by including reduction factors in the Canadian design approach.