Feasibility and performance of novel tapered iron bolt shear connectors in demountable composite beams

The performance of tapered iron bolt (TIB) shear connectors and their feasibility to be used in demountable composite beams are investigated this study. typical TIB connector consists six components, i.e., a connecting bolt, conical plug, top covering plate, fixing retaining washer inner sleeve. expected 1) reduce the initial slip between concrete slab steel beam, which generally exists for steel-concrete using bolted connectors, 2) capable being replaced in-situ without damaging other components. Two series pushout tests were conducted on specimens with accordance Eurocode 4 (EC4). demountability after severe corrosion induced by accelerated corrosion, wet-dry cycles, was examined. All test failed fracture at bolts while slabs remained undamaged. results demonstrated that replacement would not affect failure mode but have moderate influence capacity. Therefore, reduction factor proposed account design. design equations under local proposed. method is able provide reasonably accurate prediction strength connectors. • A Feasibility facilitating evaluated. Shear before assessed. Design