Full-scale experimental evaluation of a novel shear connector in sigma section CFS-concrete composite systems
STEEL AND COMPOSITE STRUCTURES, cilt.60, sa.1, ss.91-114, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 60 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.12989/scs.2026.60.1.091
- Dergi Adı: STEEL AND COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.91-114
- Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
In steel concrete composite beam systems, shear connectors are essential components that ensure the effective interaction between the tensile strength of the steel section and the compressive strength of the concrete. In conventional applications, these connectors are typically welded to the beam flange. However, while this approach is suitable for hot-rolled steel sections, it causes damage concentration in the beam flange rather than in the connector itself when applied to cold-formed steel (CFS) beams with thin walls. In this study, an innovative shear connector system was developed where the connection element is attached to the web of the CFS beam instead of the flange, and its performance was experimentally investigated. The proposed connector was partially isolated from the concrete, allowing it to deform freely under applied loads. As part of the experimental program, full-scale specimens fabricated from CFS sigma profiles were tested under push-out and bending conditions. The results were compared with commonly used bolted shear connector systems. The push-out test results showed that all damage was concentrated in the proposed shear connector, with no observable damage or deformation in the CFS beam. The bending test results demonstrated that the proposed connector contributed positively to the flexural capacity of the CFS-concrete composite beam system.