Experimental performance of CA-50 steel shear connectors for composite structures in steel profiles and reinforced concrete

Abstract Shear connectors are essential elements in composite structures of steel and concrete as they ensure the interaction between materials and the transfer of forces. In this research, seven models of shear connectors made from bent CA-50 steel bars were tested. The models varied in bar diameter, reinforcement ratio, and inclination relative to the metal profile’s flange. The results showed that the connector with a 12.5 mm diameter (model A1) exhibited the best performance in terms of strength and ductility. Connectors with a 10.0 mm diameter (models B1 and B2) also showed satisfactory results. The inclination of the connectors did not significantly influence the strength of the models. However, a higher tendency for uplift strain was exhibited in the inclined connectors.