Längsschubtragfähigkeit von kleinskaligen Pin-Verbundmitteln - Numerische Analyse und Handrechenmodell

Shear resistance of small scaled Pin-connectors - Numerical analysis and engineering model

In composite constructions, the use of high-strength concrete allows for a significant reduction of required concrete slab dimensions. For some applications, the thicknesses of concrete slabs can thus be reduced to less than 30 mm. However, for such slender concrete slabs and composite structures the applicability of conventional shear connectors, such as headed studs, is no longer possible. The systematic connection of the cross sections requires novel, small-scaled connectors. The development of an innovative welding process with systematic wire-feed and pullback allows for the automatic assembly of ball-headed pin shear connectors with a cone-shaped base on structural steels. However, the shear behavior of these small-scaled connectors has not been clarified, yet. In this paper, the load carrying mechanisms of this novel shear connector are analyzed by numerical simulations. For this purpose, non-linear finite element models of pin-connectors in high strength concrete are developed in the FE-Software ABAQUS and validated by shear tests in order to use them for the systematic derivation of design formula. The paper documents the performed parametric studies and finally explains the stepwise development of a complete engineering model to determine the longitudinal shear capacity of small pin connectors including all required application constraints.