Shear connectors, which are sometimes called shear studs, are used in construction, particularly to connect load bearing girders or structural elements with a concrete slab.
Without the use of these connectors, the shear transfer between the two materials would not be possible. The connectors are a simple yet efficient way to affix the two different materials to each other. This is essential as once they are attached or connected to each other, they behave as if they are one solid, single unit.
The result of this composite action through the use of shear studs is that the entire weight of the concrete slab is not fully transferred to the beam. This prevents long spans of a bridge deck, or even in a large building, from bending in the middle to create a U shape instead of a level deck or floor.
In turn, the steel beam is not just there for supporting the weight of the concrete slab; it also makes the slab stronger. The composite action allows for greater weight bearing and strength than would be possible by simply placing concrete over the steel beams without the connection.
Considerations
The shear studs are welded to the bridge girders. The distance between the shear connectors and the distance from the edge of the connector and the flange plate is important to consider. This information is provided in the standards and is regulated to ensure safety in all composite types of construction.
The length and diameter of the shear connector will be determined by factors such as tensile stress, fatigue loading, the thickness of the plate and the thickness of the concrete.
There are standard sizes of shear connectors used for specific types of construction projects. It will be crucial to verify the connectors selected for the specific building, bridge or project are correct and to all required specifications before ordering.
