Push-out tests on embedded shear connections for hybrid girders with trapezoidal web

Abstract

Hybrid girders with corrugated web are increasingly used in bridge engineering due to its numerous favorable properties. For the web-to-slab connection different layouts have been developed in the past, however, just a few design proposals can be found in the international literature for the determination of the connection’s resistance, especially for the embedded types. In case of these connections the corrugated web is simply embedded into the concrete slab strengthened by transverse rebars through concrete dowels or horizontal headed studs welded to the web. The aim of the current research program is to investigate the structural behavior and the shear capacity of embedded connections by full scale push-out tests. In the current paper the results of 5 push-out tests are introduced having different embedded connection types investigating (i) the effect of the embedding depth, (ii) the existence of the concrete dowels (through cut-outs in the steel web) with transverse rebars and (iii) the influence of the steel flange. These parameters may have significant influence on the behavior and capacity of embedded type connections, which are studied in the research program. During the tests the applied load and the slip between the steel web and concrete slabs are measured in order to study the initial stiffness, the ductility and the shear capacity of the connections.