Shear performance of C-shaped perforated angle connectors in steel-concrete composite beams

This paper presents experimental and FE numerical investigations of the shear behaviour and the mechanical properties of a novel C-shaped perforated angle connector, designed to enhance the performance of the shear connection in steel and concrete composite beams by combining the benefits of both C-shaped and perforated angle connectors. This combination addresses the limitations of C-angle connectors in load transfer and ductility by introducing perforations and perforating reinforcement, thereby improving the strength and ease installation of the perforated angle connectors by attaching them to the steel beam in a C shaped configuration. The effects of perforations, connector reinforcement type and connector length on shear resistance, stiffness, ductility, and failure modes were examined through five pushout tests. Finite element analysis was performed using ABAQUS software to validate the experimental results and provide detailed insights into the ultimate shear capacity and failure mechanisms.The results showed that the connector length, perforations, and connector reinforcement type affect the shear behaviour of the C-shaped angle connectors, leading to enhanced ductility and shear performance. The curved reinforcing rebar passing through connector holes improved the resistance of specimens to horizontal uplift, while straight rebars increased the stiffness significantly. Evaluation of results was carried out and the design equation of Eurocode 4 provided an acceptable estimation of the shear resistance of the C perforated angle shear connector.