The current edition of the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC) provides limited guidance for the design of composite bridges with precast concrete deck panels and steel girders. The shear connection is critical in determining the overall performance of the composite superstructure. No specific equations are found in the CHBDC for the design of shear studs used in this system. Furthermore, the current longitudinal spacing limitation of 600mm for shear studs in the CHBDC is not conducive to the construction of precast concrete decks where an increased spacing of the stud cluster is desirable. An experimental testing regime was conducted using push-test specimens constructed with precast concrete panels connected to steel flanges with steel studs within a circular grout pocket. Specimens were tested to failure to determine the ultimate capacity of a stud cluster and to investigate the reduction in ultimate strength after cyclic loading. For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD number E211521.
Abstract