materials

Article
Experimental and Numerical Study on Shear
Resistance of Notched Perfobond Shear Connector
Shuangjie Zheng 1, * , Yuqing Liu 2 , Yangqing Liu 2 and Chen Zhao 3
1 College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, China
2 Department of Bridge Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; yql@tongji.edu.cn (Y.L.);
1432232@tongji.edu.cn (Y.L.)
3 Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200092, China;
zhaochen@smedi.com
* Correspondence: sjzheng@hqu.edu.cn; Tel.: +86-592-616-2698




Received: 2 January 2019; Accepted: 21 January 2019; Published: 22 January 2019


Abstract: In steel and concrete composite bridges, it is difficult to perforate the reinforcing bars
through the circular holes of conventional perfobond shear connectors with multi-ribs. To ease the
installation of perforating rebars, an alternative notched perfobond shear connector was proposed by
cutting out the edge of the circular hole. This paper presents the push-out test results of six specimens
which were fabricated and loaded to failure. The main purpose was to compare the failure mode,
shear capacity and slip behavior of perfobond shear connectors using circular holes and notched
holes. Furthermore, 43 nonlinear finite element simulations were performed to further study the
effects of several variables, including the hole diameter, the hole distance, the hole number, the cut
width, the perfobond thickness, the concrete strength, the rebar diameter, the rebar strength, and
the steel strength. The parametric results were generated to evaluate the shear capacity equations
for perfobond shear connectors. Finally, an analytical model was developed to estimate the shear
capacity of notched perfobond shear connectors.

Keywords: composite structures; perfobond connector; shear capacity; push-out test; notched hole

1. Introduction
Steel and concrete composite structures are increasingly used in bridge engineering to achieve a
balance between structural performance and construction cost. Several types of innovative composite
bridge structures have been proposed, such as hybrid girders [1], composite trusses [2], pile cap
strengthening [3], and composite girders with corrugated steel webs [4]. The shear connection between
steel and concrete is one of the most critical issues in the design of composite structures. Various
types of shear connectors have been proposed to ensure the load transfer between steel and concrete
components, such as headed studs [5], bolted connectors [6], perfobond connectors [7–9], pin shear
connectors [10], and puzzle-shaped composite dowels [11]. The most popular shear connector in
practice is the headed stud shear connector, which resists the shear force by the shank and prevents
the separation by the anchorage head [5]. However, the headed studs have some disadvantages, such
as the requirement for specific welding equipment on construction sites and fatigue problems of the
weld collar under cyclic loading [12].
To ease installation and to improve fatigue performance, an alternative perfobond shear connector
was proposed and used in a composite truss railway bridge [13]. The conventional perfobond shear
connector is a flat steel plate having a certain number of circular holes. After concrete casting, dowels
will form in these holes to resist shear forces and prevent separation between steel and concrete. The
perfobond shear connector has some advantages over the headed studs, such as easier installation

Materials 2019, 12, 341; doi:10.3390/ma12030341 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials

Materials 2019, 12, 341 2 of 20

Materials 2019, 1, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 19

by fillet welding, no obvious fatigue problems, and higher shear stiffness and shear capacity [13–15].
Therefore, many types
capacity [13–15]. of composite
Therefore, many typesbridgeofstructures
compositebegan bridgeto structures
use the perfobond
began toshear
use theconnectors
perfobond to
carry
sheargreat dynamic
connectors loads great
to carry [2,3]. dynamic loads [2,3].
Several
Several studies
studies havehave been
been conducted
conducted to to study
study the
the structural
structural behavior
behavior of of perfobond
perfobond shear
shear
connectors
connectors mostly by push-out tests and finite element analysis. Leonhardt et
by push-out tests and finite element analysis. Leonhardt et al. [13] conducted push- al. [13] conducted
push-out
out tests tests on perfobond
on perfobond shearshear connectors
connectors and and proposed
proposed a shear
a shear capacity
capacity equation
equation considering
considering the
the effect of the concrete dowel. Oguejiofor et al. [14] completed experimental
effect of the concrete dowel. Oguejiofor et al. [14] completed experimental and numerical analysis to and numerical analysis
to determine
determine thethe contributions
contributions of of bearing,
bearing, concrete
concrete dowels,
dowels, splitting
splitting resistance
resistance of the
of the concrete
concrete andandthe
the transverse
transverse reinforcement.
reinforcement. Hosaka
Hosaka et et
al.al.[15]
[15]performed
performedseveral
severalpush-out
push-out tests and developed
developed two two
equations
equationsforforevaluating
evaluatingthe theshear
shearcapacity
capacityof ofperfobond
perfobondshear shearconnectors
connectorswith withand
andwithout
withoutrebar
rebarin in
the
thehole.
hole.Ahn
Ahnet etal.
al. [16]
[16] proposed
proposed shearshear capacity
capacity equations
equationsof of perfobond
perfobondshear shear connectors
connectorsconsidering
considering
the
theeffects
effectsof
ofconcrete
concretestrength
strengthand andribribarrangement.
arrangement.Zheng Zhengetetal.al.[17]
[17]conducted
conductedparametric
parametricstudy
studyof of
the shear capacity of long-hole perfobond shear connectors. Based on
the shear capacity of long-hole perfobond shear connectors. Based on experimental and numerical experimental and numerical
analysis
analysisresults,
results,the
theshear
shearstiffness
stiffnessandandthetheshear
shearcapacity
capacityof ofperfobond
perfobondshear shearconnectors
connectorswere weregreatly
greatly
increased
increased by providing a reinforcing bar through the holes [15–17]. However, when perfobondshear
by providing a reinforcing bar through the holes [15–17]. However, when perfobond shear
connectors
connectorsareareinstalled
installedwithwithmulti-ribs
multi-ribsparallel
parallelto toeach
eachother,
other,ititisisdifficult
difficulttotoperforate
perforatethe thereinforcing
reinforcing
bars
bars through
through many
many holesholes ofofthe
theribs,
ribs,which
whichwill willreduce
reducethe theconstruction
constructionefficiency.
efficiency. To To solve
solve this
this
problem,
problem, a new type of notched perfobond shear connector was proposed by cutting out the edgeof
a new type of notched perfobond shear connector was proposed by cutting out the edge of
the
thecircular
circularhole
holeofofthe
theconventional
conventionaltype, type,as asshown
shownin inFigure
Figure1.1.TheThereinforcing
reinforcingbarbarcould
couldbe bedirectly
directly
put
putinto
intomany
manyholes
holesatatthethesame
sametime,
time,which
whichwill willgreatly
greatlyspeed
speedthe theconstruction.
construction.

Figure 1. Proposed notched perfobond shear connector.

Figure 1. Proposed notched perfobond shear connector.
In this study, a total of six push-out tests were conducted to compare the failure modes and the
In this
load–slip study, aoftotal
behaviors of six push-out
conventional tests were
and notched conducted
perfobond sheartoconnectors.
compare theMoreover,failure modes and the
43 nonlinear
load–slip
finite behaviors
element of conventional
simulations and notched
were performed perfobond
to further study theshear connectors.
effects of several Moreover,
variables, 43including
nonlinear
finite element simulations were performed to further study the effects of several
the hole diameter, the hole distance, the hole number, the cut width, the perfobond thickness, the variables, including
the holestrength,
concrete diameter, thethe holediameter,
rebar distance,the
therebar
holestrength,
number,and the the
cutsteel
width, the perfobond
strength. thickness,
The parametric the
results
concrete strength, the rebar diameter, the rebar strength, and the steel strength.
were generated to evaluate the shear capacity equations for perfobond shear connectors. Finally, an The parametric
results were
analytical modelgenerated to evaluate
was developed the shear
to predict capacity
the shear equations
capacity for perfobond
of notched perfobond shear connectors.
shear connectors
Finally,
in an analytical
steel and model was
concrete composite developed to predict the shear capacity of notched perfobond shear
bridges.
connectors in steel and concrete composite bridges.
2. Experimental Investigations
2. Experimental Investigations
2.1. Test Program
2.1. Test Program
Table 1 presents six push-out tests on specimens with conventional perfobond and notched
Tableshear
perfobond 1 presents six push-out
connectors, referringtests
to theonsuggestions
specimensinwith conventional
Eurocode 4 [18]. The perfobond and notched
main variables of the
perfobond
push-out testshear connectors,
specimens referring
were the to the suggestions
hole diameter in Eurocode
dp , the cut width cw , the 4cut [18].
ratioThe main
cw /d variables
p , the diameter of
the
of thepush-out
rebar dr , test specimens
the rib length lpwere theheight
, the rib hole diameter
hp , and thedprib
, the cut width
thickness cw, the
tp . The cut ratio
purpose was to cw/d p, the
verify
diameter of the rebar dr, the rib length lp, the rib height hp, and the rib thickness tp. The purpose was
to verify the reliability of parametric study on push-out tests based on finite element analysis. As
shown in Table 1, these specimens could be equally divided into two groups in terms of the connector
Materials 2019, 12, 341 3 of 20

Materials 2019, 1, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 19

the reliability of parametric study on push-out tests based on finite element analysis. As shown in
Table 1, these
type. The CPSspecimens
specimenscould
were be equally divided
conventional into two
perfobond groups
shear in terms
connectors of the
with connector
circular holes.type. The
The NPS
CPS specimens
specimens werewere conventional
notched perfobondperfobond shear connectors
shear connectors with cutswith circular
on the holeholes.
edge. The NPS specimens
were notched perfobond shear connectors with cuts on the hole edge.
Table 1. Push-out test specimens.
Table 1. Push-out test specimens.
Specimen dp (mm) cw (mm) cw/dp dr (mm) lp (mm) hp (mm) tp (mm) Notch
Specimen dp (mm) c (mm) cw /dp dr (mm) lp (mm) hp (mm) t (mm) Notch
CPS–1 75 w - 0 20 250 150 20p No
CPS–1 CPS–2 75 75 - - 0 0 20
20 250
250 150150 20 20 No No
CPS–2 75 - 0 20 250 150 20 No
CPS–3 75 - 0 20 250 150 20 No
CPS–3 75 - 0 20 250 150 20 No
NPS–1NPS–1 75 75 37.5 37.5 0.50.5 20
20 250
250 150150 20 20 Yes Yes
NPS–2NPS–2 75 75 37.5 37.5 0.50.5 20 250
250 150150 20 20 Yes Yes
NPS–3NPS–3 75 75 37.5 37.5 0.5 0.5 20
20 250
250 150150 20 20 Yes Yes

2.2. Layout of Test Specimen

The layout of a typical push-out test specimen is shown in Figure 2. All the test specimens were
identical in
in terms
terms of
ofthe
thedimensions
dimensionsexcept
exceptthat
thatCPS
CPSand
andNPSNPSspecimens
specimens had
haddifferent
differentconfigurations of
configurations
perfobond ribs. Each specimen comprised one steel H-beam and two concrete
of perfobond ribs. Each specimen comprised one steel H-beam and two concrete slabs. The slabs. The conventional
perfobond
conventional and notched perfobond
perfobond and notched ribsperfobond
were weldedribs upright to the upright
were welded steel beam flange.
to the steelAbeam
perforating
flange.
rebar was fixed at the center of the hole for each perfobond rib. Bonding between steel
A perforating rebar was fixed at the center of the hole for each perfobond rib. Bonding between steel and concrete
was preventedwas
and concrete by prevented
greasing the
bycontact
greasingsurfaces beforesurfaces
the contact concretebefore
casting. Styrofoam
concrete was Styrofoam
casting. installed atwas
the
bottom
installedofatperfobond
the bottom ribs to eliminateribs
of perfobond thetobearing stress.
eliminate the bearing stress.

350 150 240 150 350 125150 125

50
150 250 100

275 225
50 450

500

(a) (b)
125150 125

400

500 240 500

(c) (d)

Figure 2. Layout
Layoutof
ofpush-out
push-outtest
testspecimen
specimen(Units:
(Units:mm):
mm):(a)(a)
front view;
front (b)(b)
view; side view;
side (c) top
view; view;
(c) top (d)
view;
3D 3D
(d) view.
view.

2.3. Details of
2.3. Details of Perfobond
Perfobond Ribs
Ribs
As
As illustrated in Figure
illustrated in Figure 3,
3, the
the details
details ofof conventional
conventional perfobond
perfobond rib
rib and
and notched
notched perfobond
perfobond ribrib
were identical in terms of the hole diameter (dp = 75 mm), the rib length (lp = 250 mm), the
were identical in terms of the hole diameter (dp = 75 mm), the rib length (lp = 250 mm), the rib height rib height
(h
(hpp == 150
150 mm)
mm) andand the
the rib
rib thickness
thickness (t
(tpp =
= 20
20 mm). The conventional
mm). The conventional perfobond
perfobond rib rib made
made aa closed
closed
circular
circular hole
hole ononthe
thesteel
steelplate,
plate,while
whilethe
thenotched
notched perfobond
perfobondribrib
made
madean an
open circular
open holehole
circular with a cut
with a
cut on the edge of the steel plate. In this test program, the cut width cw was designed as 37.5 mm,
which was half of the hole diameter dp. Thus, the cut ratio cw/dp of the notched perfobond rib was
equal to 0.5.
Materials 2019, 12, 341 4 of 20

on the edge of the steel plate. In this test program, the cut width cw was designed as 37.5 mm, which
was half of the hole diameter dp . Thus, the cut ratio cw /dp of the notched perfobond rib was equal
to 0.5. 2019, 1, x FOR PEER REVIEW
Materials 4 of 19

20 20
250 250 125
125
125 125

75
75
φ75
φ75

150
150

75
75

42.5
φ20
φ20
37.5
(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 3.
3. Details
Details of
of perfobond
perfobond ribs:
ribs: (a)
(a) conventional
conventional perfobond
perfobond rib;
rib; (b)
(b) notched
notched perfobond
perfobond rib.
rib.

2.4. Material
2.4. Material Properties
Properties
The concrete
The concrete cube strength ffcu
cube strength was determined as 63.4 MPa from 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm
cu was determined as 63.4 MPa from 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm
concrete cube tests after a 28-day air curing period.
concrete cube tests after a 28-day air curing period. The
The uniaxial
uniaxial compressive
compressive strength
strength of concrete ffcc
of concrete
was 50.7
was 50.7 MPa
MPa which
which waswas equal
equal to
to 0.8 ·ffcu
0.8· . The yield strength fry and
cu. The yield strength fry
and tensile strength ffru
tensile strength of rebar
ru of rebar inin the
the
hole were 382.0 MPa and 547.0 MPa, respectively. The yield strength fsy and tensile strength
hole were 382.0 MPa and 547.0 MPa, respectively. The yield strength fsy and tensile strength fsu of the fsu of the
structural steel were 410.0 MPa and 545.0 MPa, respectively.
structural steel were 410.0 MPa and 545.0 MPa, respectively.
2.5. Test Setup and Instrumentation
2.5. Test Setup and Instrumentation
The push-out specimens were loaded to failure by using a hydraulic loading machine (Beijing
The push-out specimens were loaded to failure by using a hydraulic loading machine (Beijing
Fluid Control System (FCS) Corp., Beijing, China) with a maximum capacity of 10,000 kN, as shown in
Fluid Control System (FCS) Corp., Beijing, China) with a maximum capacity of 10,000 kN, as shown
Figure 4. The shear force between steel and concrete was applied by pushing down the steel H-beam.
in Figure 4. The shear force between steel and concrete was applied by pushing down the steel H-
The first two specimens in each group were subjected to monotonic loading with displacement control.
beam. The first two specimens in each group were subjected to monotonic loading with displacement
The loading rate was controlled to not reach the ultimate load in less than 15 min. The third specimen
control. The loading rate was controlled to not reach the ultimate load in less than 15 min. The third
was loaded with uniaxial cyclic forces. The force control was adopted in the initial loading stage,
specimen was loaded with uniaxial cyclic forces. The force control was adopted in the initial loading
followed by seven loading cycles with an increment of 10% of the tested shear load. The subsequent
stage, followed by seven loading cycles with an increment of 10% of the tested shear load. The
stage was a monotonic loading until complete failure. Four linear variable differential transformers
subsequent stage was a monotonic loading until complete failure. Four linear variable differential
(LVDTs) were symmetrically installed at the level of the perfobond shear connector to measure the
transformers (LVDTs) were symmetrically installed at the level of the perfobond shear connector to
relative slip between the steel beam and the concrete slab. The applied load and relative slips were
measure the relative slip between the steel beam and the concrete slab. The applied load and relative
continuously recorded. Therefore, the load–slip behaviors of conventional and notched perfobond
slips were continuously recorded. Therefore, the load–slip behaviors of conventional and notched
shear connectors could be obtained to validate the proposed finite element model.
perfobond shear connectors could be obtained to validate the proposed finite element model.

500 240 500

Support frame Angle bracket
③ ④
400

① ②
Displacement gauge Magnetic base
(a) (b)
Figure 4. Test setup and instrumentation: (a) loading setup; (b) deformation measurements (Units:
mm).
stage, followed by seven loading cycles with an increment of 10% of the tested shear load. The
subsequent stage was a monotonic loading until complete failure. Four linear variable differential
transformers (LVDTs) were symmetrically installed at the level of the perfobond shear connector to
measure the relative slip between the steel beam and the concrete slab. The applied load and relative
slips were
Materials 2019,continuously
12, 341 recorded. Therefore, the load–slip behaviors of conventional and notched
5 of 20
perfobond shear connectors could be obtained to validate the proposed finite element model.

500 240 500

Support frame Angle bracket
③ ④

400
① ②
Displacement gauge Magnetic base
(a) (b)
Figure 4. Test
Figure Testsetup and
setup instrumentation:
and (a) loading
instrumentation: setup;setup;
(a) loading (b) deformation measurements
(b) deformation (Units:
measurements
Materials 2019, 1, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 19
mm).
(Units: mm).
3.
3. Finite
FiniteElement
Element Analysis
Analysis

3.1.
3.1. General
General
As shownininFigure
As shown Figure 5, the
5, the push-out
push-out tests
tests of of conventional
conventional and perfobond
and notched notched perfobond shear
shear connectors
connectors wereby
were simulated simulated
using theby using
finite the finite
element element
method. method.
Only Only
one half one specimen
of each half of each
wasspecimen was
built in finite
built in finite
element element
models models
to save to save
analysis time.analysis time.purpose
The main The main of purpose of this
this analysis analysis
was to studywasthe
to failure
study
the failure mechanism
mechanism and the shearandcapacity
the shear capacity
by using by using
validated validated
finite elementfinite element
models insteadmodels insteadand
of expensive of
expensive and time-consuming
time-consuming push-out tests. push-out
The generaltests. The general
analysis program analysis
ABAQUS program ABAQUS
(Version (Version
6.10, Dassault 6.10,
System,
Dassault
Providence,System, Providence,
RI, USA) RI, USA)
[19] was adopted [19] wasthe
to simulate adopted
push-outto tests
simulate the push-out
of conventional and tests
notchedof
conventional and notched perfobond shear connectors. The dynamic explicit method
perfobond shear connectors. The dynamic explicit method was adopted to consider both material was adopted to
consider both material
and geometric and geometric
nonlinearities. nonlinearities.
The loading rate was The
also loading
carefullyrate was also to
considered carefully considered
assure quasi-static
to assure quasi-static
loading procedure. loading procedure.

Figure 5. Finite element model.

Figure 5. Finite element model.
3.2. Finite Element Type and Mesh
3.2. Finite Element Type and Mesh
In this study, the push-out tests were modeled with symmetric constraints, as shown in Figure 5.
In this study,
Eight-node reducedtheintegration
push-out tests were (C3D8R)
elements modeledwere
with chosen
symmetric constraints,
to model as shown
the concrete slab,inthe
Figure
steel
5. Eight-node reduced integration elements (C3D8R) were chosen to model the concrete slab, the
beam, the perfobond rib and the perforating rebar. Three-dimensional two-node truss elements (T3D2) steel
beam, the perfobond rib and the perforating rebar. Three-dimensional two-node truss elements
(T3D2) were adopted to represent the other reinforcing bars embedded in concrete. Discrete rigid
elements (R3D4) were used to mesh the jacking header and the base plate. In order to increase the
accuracy of analysis, a locally refined mesh with a smallest size of about 5 mm was applied at the
region near the notch and the hole of perfobond ribs. Global coarse mesh was applied with an overall
size of 10 mm, 15 mm and 20 mm to save analysis time and clarify the sensitivity to mesh size.
Materials 2019, 12, 341 6 of 20

were adopted to represent the other reinforcing bars embedded in concrete. Discrete rigid elements
(R3D4) were used to mesh the jacking header and the base plate. In order to increase the accuracy of
analysis, a locally refined mesh with a smallest size of about 5 mm was applied at the region near the
notch and the hole of perfobond ribs. Global coarse mesh was applied with an overall size of 10 mm,
15 mm and 20 mm to save analysis time and clarify the sensitivity to mesh size.

3.3. Interaction and Boundary Conditions

The boundary condition (BC), as shown in Figure 5, was applied to the symmetric planes of
the model. The reference point of the base plate was fixed in all directions. A downward enforced
displacement was applied to the reference point of the jacking header. The perforating rebar was tied
to the surrounding concrete in the hole. The other reinforcing bars were embedded inside the whole
concrete slab. Contact interactions were applied at the interfaces of the concrete and shear connectors.
A “hard” contact was used in the normal direction to prevent penetration, and the penalty frictional
formulation was applied in the tangential direction. The frictional coefficient was taken as 0.5 for the
contact between the base plate and the concrete slab, referring to previous research [17]. The other
contact
Materials interactions wereREVIEW
2019, 1, x FOR PEER assumed to be frictionless. 6 of 19

3.4.
3.4. Material
Material Modeling
Modeling of
of Concrete
Concrete
As shownin
As shown inFigure
Figure6, 6,
thethe nonlinear
nonlinear behavior
behavior ofconcrete
of the the concrete material
material in compression
in compression and
and tension
tension was represented by a uniaxial compressive stress–strain curve and a tensile stress–crack
was represented by a uniaxial compressive stress–strain curve and a tensile stress–crack width width
relationship,
relationship, respectively.
respectively.

(a) (b)
Figure 6. Material modeling of
Figure 6. of concrete:
concrete: (a) compression;
compression; (b)
(b) tension.
tension.

The
The concrete
concrete material
material constitutions
constitutions in
in compression
compression waswas governed
governed by
by Equation
Equation (1)
(1) [20,21].
[20,21]. As
As
shown
shown in Figure 6a, the first branch of the stress–strain curve is assumed to be elastic. The following
in Figure 6a, the first branch of the stress–strain curve is assumed to be elastic. The following
two
two branches
branches are
are aa nonlinear
nonlinear parabolic
parabolic portion
portion and
and aa descending
descendingbranch,
branch,respectively.
respectively.

ε c c
E E (0(≤ 0 ε c c≤0.4 c Ecc))

0.4f cf/E
 ck·ηc−η 2


k  −f 2
1 ( cp )


σc = 0.4 f c /Ec < ε c ≤ ε cp
+(k−2)·η c f
1 + ( k − 2ε)−ε cp c 0.4 f c E c  
c   (1)
 c = 1 − 0.15
  
ε cu −ε cp f c ε cp < ε c ≤ ε cu (1)



 1 − 0.15  −  cp  f (      )

where σc is the compressive stressat  cu −  cp 
any point (MPa);c ε is
c cp theccompressive
cu strain at any point; Ec is

Young’s modulus (MPa); fc is the compressive strength of concrete (MPa); k is the plasticity number,
= Ec ·εσcpc/f
kwhere isc ;the
η iscompressive
the ratio of strain
stress toat peak strain,(MPa);
any point η = εc /ε is, the
εc cp εcp =compressive
0.002, and εcu = 0.0033.
strain at any point; Ec is
Young’s modulus (MPa); fc is the compressive strength of concrete (MPa); k is the plasticity number,
k = Ec·εcp/fc; η is the ratio of strain to peak strain, η = εc/εcp, εcp = 0.002, and εcu = 0.0033.
A linear stress–strain relationship was adopted to simulate uncracked concrete in tension. For a
cracked section, as shown in Figure 6b, a nonlinear approach for the stress–crack width relationship
can be determined by using Equation (2), referring to the study of Hordijk [22].

t   w 
3
  w
 −  (1 + c1 )  exp ( −c2 )
w
= 1 +  c1     exp  −c2  3
(2)
ft   wc    w  w
  c c
Materials 2019, 12, 341 7 of 20

A linear stress–strain relationship was adopted to simulate uncracked concrete in tension. For a
cracked section, as shown in Figure 6b, a nonlinear approach for the stress–crack width relationship
can be determined by using Equation (2), referring to the study of Hordijk [22].
"  #
w 3
  
σt w w  
= 1 + c1 · · exp −c2 · − · 1 + c31 · exp(−c2 ) (2)
ft wc wc wc

where σt is the tensile stress of concrete (MPa); ft is the tensile strength (MPa); w is the crack width
(mm); wc is the crack width at the complete release of stress, wc = 5.14 GF /ft (mm); GF is the fracture
energy required to create a unit area of stress-free crack, GF = 0.073 fc 0.18 (N/mm); the constants are
c1 = 3 and c2 = 6.93.
The concrete damaged plasticity model was adopted to depict the degraded response of the
concrete material. Two independent uniaxial damage variables, dc and dt , were used to describe the
damage of concrete due to compressive crushing and tensile cracking [19].
For concrete in compression, the evolution of dc is associated with the plastic strain εc pl , determined
proportional to the inelastic strain εc in = (εc − σc )/Ec , using a constant factor bc (0 < bc < 1) in Equation (3)
as suggested in [23].
Materials 2019, 1, x FOR PEER REVIEW σc 7 of 19
dc = 1 − pl
(3)
Ec · ε c · (1/bc − 1) + σc
where dc is the concrete compressive damage component; bc is the ratio of plastic strain to inelastic
strain, dbc =isεthe
where cpl/εconcrete
cin, and bc compressive [23]. component; bc is the ratio of plastic strain to inelastic
is taken as 0.7damage
strain, b = pl /ε in , and b is taken as 0.7 [23].
Forc concrete
ε c c in tension,
c the damage evolution component dt is related to the “plastic” crack
width For
wplconcrete
, which is inproportional
tension, the damage evolution
to the crack widthcomponent
w, using a constant dt is related to the
factor bt (0“plastic”
< bt < 1) crack width
in Equation
w pl , which is proportional to the crack width w, using a constant factor b (0 < b < 1) in Equation (4),
(4), referring to [23]. t t
referring to [23].
σt t· l0l0
dt = 1dt−= 1 − E pl  (1 bt− − 11))++σ
(4)
(4)
Ec · wc  w· (1/b t  l·0 l
pl
t t 0

where ddtt is the tensile

where tensile damage
damage variable
variable of concrete;ll00 is
of concrete; is assumed
assumed to to be
be unit length; bbtt is the ratio
unit length; ratio of
of the
the
pl
“plastic”
“plastic”crack
crackwidth
widthtotothe
thecrack width,bbt t == w
crackwidth, w /w,
pl andbbt tisisset
/w,and setas
as0.1
0.1[23].
[23].

3.5.
3.5. Material
Material Modeling
Modeling of
of Steel
Steel
As
As shown
shown in in Figure
Figure 7,
7, the
the stress–strain
stress–strain relationship
relationship ofof the
the structural
structural and
and reinforcing
reinforcing steel
steel was
was
modeled
modeled by by tri-linear
tri-linear curves. The initial
curves. The initial regime
regime isis assumed
assumed to to be
be elastic
elastic with
with Young’s modulus E
Young’s modulus Ess,,
followed by a stage of yielding and finally a branch of strain hardening. The stress–strain
followed by a stage of yielding and finally a branch of strain hardening. The stress –strain relationships
for steel in tension
relationships andincompression
for steel tension andwere assumedwere
compression to beassumed
the same.to be the same.

Figure 7. Material modeling

Figure 7. modeling of
of steel.
steel.

4. Analysis Results and Verification

4.1. Failure Mode

As shown in Figure 8, the numerical results resembled the push-out failures of conventional and
notched perfobond shear connectors quite well. The failure modes were characterized by crack in the
concrete slab, yield of the perforating rebar and shear failure of the concrete dowel. The concrete
crack initially occurred near the perfobond shear connectors and spread out across the concrete slab
Materials 2019, 12, 341 8 of 20
Figure 7. Material modeling of steel.

4.
4. Analysis
AnalysisResults
Resultsand
andVerification
Verification

4.1. Failure
4.1. FailureMode
Mode
Asshown
As shownin inFigure
Figure8,8,the thenumerical
numericalresults
resultsresembled
resembledthe thepush-out
push-outfailures
failuresof
ofconventional
conventionaland and
notchedperfobond
notched perfobondshear shearconnectors
connectorsquite
quite well.
well. The The failure
failure modes
modes werewere characterized
characterized by crack
by crack in
in the
the concrete slab, yield of the perforating rebar and shear failure of the concrete
concrete slab, yield of the perforating rebar and shear failure of the concrete dowel. The concrete dowel. The concrete
crackinitially
crack initiallyoccurred
occurrednear nearthe theperfobond
perfobondshear
shearconnectors
connectorsandandspread
spreadoutoutacross
acrossthetheconcrete
concreteslab
slab
as the
as the load
load increased.
increased. The The concrete
concrete slabs
slabs were
were demolished
demolished afterafter specimen
specimen failure.
failure. The
Therebar
rebarin
in the
the
holeyielded
hole yieldedat atthe
thelocations
locationsof ofperforation
perforationdue
dueto
tolarge
largeshear
shearand
andbending
bendingdeformations.
deformations.The Theconcrete
concrete
dowelsin
dowels in the
the hole
hole failed
failed inin shear.
shear. There
There was
was no
no obvious
obvious deformation
deformation observed
observed inin the
the conventional
conventional
perfobond rib.
perfobond rib. In
Incomparison,
comparison,the thenotched
notchedperfobond
perfobondribsribswere
wereobserved
observedto todeform
deform as as the
the cut
cut width
width
increased. Due
increased. Dueto todifficulties
difficultiesin insimulating
simulatingthe
thenonlinear
nonlinearbehavior
behaviorof ofconcrete
concretematerials,
materials,the theanalyzed
analyzed
failure modes
failure modes werewere in in reasonable
reasonable agreement
agreement with the tested failure modes with a little discrepancy.
discrepancy.

Materials 2019, 1, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 19

(a)

(b)

(c)
Figure 8.
Figure 8. Tested
Tested and
and analyzed
analyzedfailure
failuremodes:
modes:(a)(a)concrete slab;
concrete (b)(b)
slab; conventional perfobond;
conventional (c)
perfobond;
notched
(c) perfobond.
notched perfobond.

4.2.
4.2. Load–Slip
Load–Slip Behavior
Behavior
As
As shown
shown inin Figure
Figure 9,9, the
theload–slip
load–slip curves
curves obtained
obtained from
from finite
finite element
element analysis
analysis were
were inin good
good
agreement
agreement with push-out test results. Three stages were identified in the typical load–slip curves of
with push-out test results. Three stages were identified in the typical load–slip curves of
both conventional and notched perfobond shear connectors. At the first stage, these curves
both conventional and notched perfobond shear connectors. At the first stage, these curves were steep were steep
without
without obvious
obvious slips,
slips, indicating
indicating elastic
elastic behavior
behavior and
and large
large stiffness.
stiffness. The
The next
next stage
stage was
was aa nonlinear
nonlinear
curve
curve where
where the
the load
load increased
increased andand the
the stiffness
stiffness reduced
reduced slowly
slowly with
with the
the slip.
slip. Beyond
Beyond thethe peak
peak load,
load,
the slip continued to increase as the load decreased. Before reaching the peak slip,
the slip continued to increase as the load decreased. Before reaching the peak slip, the analyzed load- the analyzed
load-slip curves
slip curves resembled
resembled the push-out
the push-out test results
test results quitequite
well.well. However,
However, it wasit was difficult
difficult to predict
to predict the
accurate post-failure behavior of notched perfobond shear connectors beyond the peak slip in the
finite element analysis.

800 800

600 600
 As shown in Figure 9, the load–slip curves obtained from finite element analysis were in good
agreement with push-out test results. Three stages were identified in the typical load–slip curves of
both conventional and notched perfobond shear connectors. At the first stage, these curves were steep
without obvious slips, indicating elastic behavior and large stiffness. The next stage was a nonlinear
curve where
Materials the
2019, 12, load increased and the stiffness reduced slowly with the slip. Beyond the peak load,
341 9 of 20
the slip continued to increase as the load decreased. Before reaching the peak slip, the analyzed load-
slip curves resembled the push-out test results quite well. However, it was difficult to predict the
the accurate
accurate post-failure
post-failure behavior
behavior of notched
of notched perfobond
perfobond shear
shear connectorsbeyond
connectors beyondthethepeak
peakslip
slipin
in the
the
finite element analysis.
finite element analysis.

800 800

600 600
Load (kN)

Load (kN)
400 400

CPS-1 FEA-10mm NPS-1 FEA-10mm

200 CPS-2 FEA-15mm 200 NPS-2 FEA-15mm
CPS-3 FEA-20mm NPS-3 FEA-20mm
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10
Slip (mm) Slip (mm)
(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 9.
9. Tested
Testedand
andanalyzed
analyzedload–slip curves:
load–slip (a) (a)
curves: conventional perfobond
conventional shear
perfobond connector;
shear (b)
connector;
notched perfobond
(b) notched shear
perfobond connector.
shear connector.

The accuracy
The accuracy ofof the
the proposed
proposed finite
finite element
element model
model can
can be
be verified
verified by
by comparison
comparison withwith push-out
push-out
test results in
test results in Table 2. When the global meshing size were
global meshing size were 10 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm and
mm and 20 mm, the analyzed
analyzed
shear capacities
shear capacities ofof conventional
conventional perfobond
perfobond shear
shear connectors
connectors accounted
accounted for
for 101%,
101%, 111%
111% and
and 117%
117% of
the mean test
the test results,
results,while
whilethose
thoseofofnotched
notched perfobond
perfobond shear connectors
shear connectorsaccounted
accountedfor 97%, 102%
for 97%, and
102%
105%105%
and of the
ofmean tested
the mean shear
tested capacities.
shear It was
capacities. revealed
It was thatthat
revealed the proposed finite
the proposed element
finite model
element can
model
be used
can to generate
be used reasonable
to generate analysis
reasonable results
analysis for both
results for conventional and notched
both conventional perfobond
and notched shear
perfobond
connectors
shear when when
connectors the overall element
the overall size was
element sizeset as set
was 10 mm.
as 10 mm.

Table 2. Tested and analyzed shear capacities.

Test Analysis Comparison

Specimen Vu,i
Vu,avg (kN) Vu,fea1 (kN) Vu,fea2 (kN) Vu,fea3 (kN) Vu,fea1 /Vu,avg Vu,fea2 /Vu,avg Vu,fea3 /Vu,avg
(kN)
CPS–1 583.4
CPS–2 474.9 524.6 530.5 582.9 611.7 101% 111% 117%
CPS–3 515.4
NPS–1 575.4
NPS–2 541.5 578.7 561.3 587.6 604.5 97% 102% 105%
NPS–3 619.2

4.3. Load Transfer Mechanism

Based on the failure modes observed in push-out tests and numerical analysis, the load transfer
mechanism of the conventional and notched perfobond shear connectors were compared in Figure 10.
At first, the shear load was applied on the top of the steel beam flange and transmitted to the steel
stem above the hole of perfobond ribs with an angle. Then the load was taken by the uplift and shear
forces of the concrete dowel in lateral and longitudinal directions. Since there was an eccentricity
between the shear load and the shear force of the concrete dowel, an additional bending moment
occurred on the steel beam. This bending moment was balanced by the reaction forces provided by the
lateral support of the steel web and the concrete slab. Finally, the shear force of the concrete dowel was
further transferred to the perforating bar and the surrounding concrete. The conventional perfobond
shear connector had a closed circular hole to resist the uplift force, which helped the concrete dowel to
achieve full shear failure before the yield of the perfobond rib. In comparison, the notched perfobond
shear connector made a cut on the hole edge, leading to smaller resistance to the uplift force. The yield
of the perfobond rib occurred before the full shear failure of the concrete dowel. Therefore, the failure
occurred on the steel beam. This bending moment was balanced by the reaction forces provided by
the lateral support of the steel web and the concrete slab. Finally, the shear force of the concrete dowel
was further transferred to the perforating bar and the surrounding concrete. The conventional
perfobond shear connector had a closed circular hole to resist the uplift force, which helped the
concrete dowel to achieve full shear failure before the yield of the perfobond rib. In comparison, the
Materials 2019, 12, 341 10 of 20
notched perfobond shear connector made a cut on the hole edge, leading to smaller resistance to the
uplift force. The yield of the perfobond rib occurred before the full shear failure of the concrete dowel.
Therefore,
of the notchedthe failure of the
perfobond notched
shear perfobond
connector shear connector
was characterized was of
by shear characterized
the concrete by shearshear
dowel, of theof
concrete dowel,rebar
the perforating shearand
of the perforating
yield rebar and
of the perfobond yield of the perfobond rib.
rib.

(a) (b)
Load transfer
Figure 10. Load transfer mechanism:
mechanism: (a)
(a) conventional
conventional perfobond
perfobond shear
shear connector;
connector; (b)
(b) notched
perfobond shear connector.

5. Parametric
5. Parametric Study
Study
As shown
As shown in in Table
Table 3,3, aa total
total of
of 43
43 push-out
push-out tests
tests were
were simulated
simulated toto study
study the the further
further effects
effects of
of
connector dimension
connector dimension and and material
material properties.
properties. The
The parameters
parameters included
included the
the hole diameter ddpp,, the
hole diameter the hole
hole
distance epp, the hole number npp, the cut width cww, the perfobond thickness tpp, the concrete strength ffcu
distance e , the hole number n , the cut width c , the perfobond thickness t , the concrete strength cu,
,
the rebar
the diameter ddrr,, the
rebar diameter the yield strength ffryryof
yield strength ofthe
therebar,
rebar, and
and the
the yield strength ffsysyof
yield strength ofthe
thestructural
structuralsteel.
steel.

Table 3. Generalization of parametric models.

dp ep cw tp fcu dr fry fsy Vu

Model np
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (MPa) (mm) (MPa) (MPa) (kN)
DP–40 40 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 390 449.5
DP–50 50 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 390 455.3
DP–60 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 390 453.0
DP–70 70 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 390 451.8
DP–80 80 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 390 452.1
EP–100 60 100 2 30 20 50 20 400 390 335.1
EP–150 60 150 2 30 20 50 20 400 390 402.2
EP–200 60 200 2 30 20 50 20 400 390 426.4
EP–250 60 250 2 30 20 50 20 400 390 434.0
EP–300 60 300 2 30 20 50 20 400 390 435.1
NP–1 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 390 453.0
NP–2 60 200 2 30 20 50 20 400 390 426.4
NP–3 60 200 3 30 20 50 20 400 390 402.8
NP–4 60 200 4 30 20 50 20 400 390 327.5
NP–5 60 200 5 30 20 50 20 400 390 268.8
Materials 2019, 12, 341 11 of 20

Table 3. Cont.

dp ep cw tp fcu dr fry fsy Vu

Model np
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (MPa) (mm) (MPa) (MPa) (kN)
CW–10 60 — 1 10 20 50 20 400 390 449.8
CW–20 60 — 1 20 20 50 20 400 390 455.1
CW–30 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 390 453.0
CW–40 60 — 1 40 20 50 20 400 390 451.0
CW–50 60 — 1 50 20 50 20 400 390 459.7
TP–12 60 — 1 30 12 50 20 400 390 353.6
TP–16 60 — 1 30 16 50 20 400 390 407.6
TP–20 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 390 453.0
TP–25 60 — 1 30 25 50 20 400 390 493.0
TP–30 60 — 1 30 30 50 20 400 390 488.5
CU–30 60 — 1 30 20 30 20 400 390 350.3
CU–40 60 — 1 30 20 40 20 400 390 419.5
CU–50 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 390 453.0
CU–60 60 — 1 30 20 60 20 400 390 477.8
CU–70 60 — 1 30 20 70 20 400 390 499.2
DR–16 60 — 1 30 20 50 16 400 390 443.4
DR–18 60 — 1 30 20 50 18 400 390 453.5
DR–20 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 390 453.0
DR–22 60 — 1 30 20 50 22 400 390 468.4
DR–25 60 — 1 30 20 50 25 400 390 476.2
RY–335 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 335 390 446.7
RY–400 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 390 453.0
RY–500 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 500 390 458.1
SY–235 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 235 353.8
SY–345 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 345 425.6
SY–390 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 390 453.0
SY–420 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 420 465.4
SY–460 60 — 1 30 20 50 20 400 460 483.4
Note: DP is the hole diameter; EP is the hole distance; NP is the hole number; CW is the cut width; TP is the
perfobond thickness; CU is the concrete strength; DR is the rebar diameter; RY is the yield strength of rebar; SY is
the yield strength of steel.

5.1. Effect of Hole Diameter

Figure 11 shows the effect of the hole diameter on the load–slip behavior of the notched perfobond
shear connector. When the hole diameter was increased from 40 mm to 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm and
80 mm, the variations in the shear capacity were less than 2%. It was indicated that the increase of
the hole diameter had little effect on the shear capacity of the notched perfobond shear connector.
According to previous research, the increase of the hole diameter had great influence on the shear
capacity of the conventional perfobond shear connector [13–17]. The main reason was that the failure
mode of the conventional perfobond shear connector was directly related to the shear failure of the
concrete dowel in the hole. When there was no cut, little deformation was observed in the perfobond
rib, and the concrete dowel in the hole could reach full shear failure. In comparison, the notched
perfobond shear connector had a cut on the hole edge, which resulted in failure of the perfobond rib
before the concrete dowel could play its role. Therefore, the influence of the hole diameter between
40 mm and 80 mm on the shear capacity of the perfobond shear connector was negligible.
 the failure mode of the conventional perfobond shear connector was directly related to the shear
failure of the concrete dowel in the hole. When there was no cut, little deformation was observed in
the perfobond rib, and the concrete dowel in the hole could reach full shear failure. In comparison,
the notched perfobond shear connector had a cut on the hole edge, which resulted in failure of the
perfobond rib before the concrete dowel could play its role. Therefore, the influence of the hole
Materials 2019, 12,between
diameter 341 40 mm and 80 mm on the shear capacity of the perfobond shear connector was12 of 20
negligible.

500 480

Shear capacity (kN)

400
460
Load (kN) 300 dp=80mm
dp=70mm
200
dp=60mm 440
100 dp=50mm Test data
dp=40mm Trend line
0 420
0 2 4 6 8 30 45 60 75 90
Slip (mm) Hole diameter dp (mm)
(a) (b)

(c)
Figure
Figure 11. Effect
11. Effect of of hole
hole diameter:(a)
diameter: (a)load–slip
load–slip curves;
curves;(b)
(b)influence analysis;
influence (c) failure
analysis; mode.
(c) failure mode.

5.2. Effect of Hole

5.2. Effect Distance
of Hole Distance

FigureFigure 12 shows
12 shows the effect
the effect of theofhole
the distance
hole distance
on theon the loadbehavior
load–slip –slip behavior
of theof the notched
notched perfobond
perfobond shear connector. When the hole distance was increased from
shear connector. When the hole distance was increased from 100 mm to 150 mm, 200 mm,100 mm to 150 mm, 200 mm,
250 mm
250 mm and 300 mm, the average shear capacity increased by 20%, 27%, 30%, and 30%, respectively.
and 300 mm, the average shear capacity increased by 20%, 27%, 30%, and 30%, respectively. This
This indicated that the increase of the hole distance led to increase in the average shear capacity of
indicated that the increase of the hole distance led to increase in the average shear capacity of the
the notched perfobond shear connector. The reason might be that narrower hole distances resulted
notched perfobond shear connector. The reason might be that narrower hole distances resulted in
in smaller steel stems between the holes, which easily got fractured before the shear failure of the
smaller steel stems
concrete dowel.between
When thethe holes,
hole which
distance easily
was gotthan
greater fractured
200 mm,before the shear
the shear failure
capacity of the concrete
continuously
dowel.
increased with lower amplitude. Therefore, the hole distance was suggested to be no smaller increased
When the hole distance was greater than 200 mm, the shear capacity continuously than
with 200
lower
mmamplitude. Therefore,
to prevent the thebetween
steel fracture hole distance was suggested
the adjacent holes. to be no smaller than 200 mm to
prevent the steel fracture between the adjacent holes.
Materials 2019, 1, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 19

500 480
Shear capacity (kN)

400
440
Load (kN)

300
ep=300mm
400
200 ep=250mm
ep=200mm
360 Test data
100 ep=150mm
Trend line
ep=100mm
0 320
0 2 4 6 8 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Slip (mm) Hole distance ep (mm)
(a) (b)

(c)
Figure
Figure 12. Effect
12. Effect of hole
of hole distance:(a)
distance: (a)load–slip
load–slip curves;
curves; (b)
(b)influence
influenceanalysis; (c) failure
analysis; mode.
(c) failure mode.

5.3. Effect of Hole Number

Figure 13 shows the effect of the hole number on the load–slip behavior of notched perfobond
shear connector. When the hole number was increased from one to two, three, four and five, the
average shear capacity per hole decreased by 6%, 11%, 28% and 41%, respectively. This indicated that
the increase of the hole number had a significant effect on the average shear capacity of the notched
perfobond shear connector. The main reason was that the shear load was unevenly distributed among
 (c)
Figure 12. Effect of hole distance: (a) load–slip curves; (b) influence analysis; (c) failure mode.
Materials 2019, 12, 341 13 of 20

5.3. Effect of Hole Number

5.3. Effect of Hole Number
Figure 13 shows the effect of the hole number on the load–slip behavior of notched perfobond
Figure 13 shows the effect of the hole number on the load–slip behavior of notched perfobond
shear connector. When the hole number was increased from one to two, three, four and five, the
shear connector. When the hole number was increased from one to two, three, four and five, the
average shear capacity per hole decreased by 6%, 11%, 28% and 41%, respectively. This indicated that
average shear capacity per hole decreased by 6%, 11%, 28% and 41%, respectively. This indicated that
the increase of the hole number had a significant effect on the average shear capacity of the notched
the increase of the hole number had a significant effect on the average shear capacity of the notched
perfobond shear
perfobond shearconnector.
connector.The
Themain
mainreason
reason was thatthe
was that theshear
shearload
loadwaswas unevenly
unevenly distributed
distributed amongamong
the multi-holes in the
the multi-holes longitudinal
in the longitudinaldirection.
direction. The
The holes atthe
holes at thetop
topand
and bottom
bottom of the
of the perfobond
perfobond rib rib
borebore
greater loads
greater than
loads thethe
than holes
holesatatthe
themiddle
middle ofof the
theperfobond
perfobondrib. rib.
ThisThis
waswas because
because the greatest
the greatest
slip deformation
slip deformationoccurred
occurredat at
thethetop
topand
andat
at the
the bottom
bottom ofofthe
theperfobond
perfobond ribrib where
where the the
loadload
and and
the the
reaction
reaction force
force applied.
applied. AsAs a result,the
a result, theaverage
average shear
shear capacity
capacityofofthe
themulti-hole
multi-holenotched perfobond
notched perfobond
shear connector was smaller than the single-hole notched perfobond
shear connector was smaller than the single-hole notched perfobond shear connector.shear connector.

500 500

400

Shear capacity (kN)

400
Load (kN)

300 np=5 300

200 np=4
200
np=3
100 np=2 100 Test data
Trend line
np=1
0 0
0 2 4 6 8 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Slip (mm) Hole number np
(a) (b)

(c)
Figure
Figure 13. Effect
13. Effect of hole
of hole number:(a)
number: (a)load–slip
load–slip curves;
curves; (b)
(b)influence
influenceanalysis; (c) failure
analysis; mode.
(c) failure mode.

5.4. Effect of Cut Width

Figure 14 shows the effect of the cut width on the load–slip behavior of the notched perfobond
shear connector. When the cut width was increased from 10 mm to 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm and 50 mm,
the differences of the shear capacities were less than 3%. This indicated that the increase of the cut
width had a negligible effect on the shear capacity of the notched perfobond shear connector. The
failure mode of the notched perfobond shear connector was directly related to the shear failure of
the steel perfobond rib. Stress concentration could be observed at the hole edge of the perfobond
shear connector due to contact interaction between the steel stem and the concrete dowel in the hole.
This contact area was not affected by changing the cut width of the notched perfobond rib. As a
result, the increase of the cut width had little influence on the shear capacity of the notched perfobond
shear connector.
 mm, the
failure modedifferences of the shear
of the notched capacities
perfobond were
shear less than
connector was3%. This indicated
directly related tothat
thethe increase
shear ofof
failure the
the
cut width had a negligible effect on the shear capacity of the notched perfobond shear
steel perfobond rib. Stress concentration could be observed at the hole edge of the perfobond shear connector. The
failure mode
connector dueof tothe notched
contact perfobond
interaction shear connector
between was directly
the steel stem and therelated to the
concrete shear
dowel in failure of the
the hole. This
steel perfobond rib. Stress concentration could be observed at the hole edge of the
contact area was not affected by changing the cut width of the notched perfobond rib. As a result, perfobond shearthe
connector
increase
Materials 2019,of
due
12,the
to contact interaction between the steel stem and the concrete dowel in the hole. This
341cut width had little influence on the shear capacity of the notched perfobond shear 14 of 20
contact area was not affected by changing the cut width of the notched perfobond rib. As a result, the
connector.
increase of the cut width had little influence on the shear capacity of the notched perfobond shear
connector. 500 500

(kN) (kN)
400
500 500
475

Load (kN)

capacity
300
400 cw=50mm
475
450
cw=40mm
Load (kN)

capacity
200
300 c =50mm
cww=30mm

Shear Shear
450
c =40mm 425 Test data
100
200 cww=20mm
c =30mm Trend line
cww=10mm 425
100
0 cw=20mm 400 Test data
0 2 4 0 10 20 30 40
Trend 50
line 60
c6w=10mm 8
0 Slip (mm) 400 Cut width cw (mm)
0 2 4 6 8 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
(a)
Slip (mm)
(b) c (mm)
Cut width w

(a) (b)

(c)
(c)
Figure
Figure 14.14.Effect
Effectofofcut
cutwidth.
width.(a)
(a)Load–slip
Load–slip curves;
curves; (b)
(b)influence
influenceanalysis;
analysis;(c)(c)failure mode.
failure mode.
Figure 14. Effect of cut width. (a) Load–slip curves; (b) influence analysis; (c) failure mode.
5.5.5.5. Effect
Effect of of PerfobondThickness
Perfobond Thickness
5.5. Effect of Perfobond Thickness
Figure
Figure 1515 showsthe
shows theeffect
effectofofthe
theperfobond
perfobond thickness
thickness on
on the
theload –slip behavior
load–slip behaviorofof the
thenotched
notched
Figure 15 shows the effect of the perfobond thickness on the load
perfobond shear connector. When the thickness of the perfobond rib was increased from 12 to
perfobond shear connector. When the thickness of the perfobond rib – slip
was behavior
increased of the
from notched
12 mm mm
perfobond shear 25
connector. Whenmm, the thickness of the perfobond rib was increased from 12and
mm38%,
to
to 16
16 mm,
mm, 20 20 mm,
mm, 25 mm mm andand 30 30 mm,the theshear
shearcapacity
capacityincreased
increasedbyby15%, 15%,28%,
28%, 39%39% and 38%,
16 mm, 20 mm,
respectively. This 25 mm and
indicated that30themm, the shear
increase thecapacity
of the increased
perfobond thickness by 15%, 28%, 39% and 38%,in
respectively. This indicated that the increase of perfobond thicknesswouldwouldleadleadtoto
ananincrease
increase in
respectively. This indicated that the increase of the perfobond thickness would lead to an increase in
thethe shear
shear capacity
capacity
thethickness
shear capacity
of of
thethe notched
notched perfobond
perfobond shear
shear connector.The
connector. Themain
mainreason
reasonwaswasthat
thatincreasing
increasingthe
the the of the notched perfobondthe shear connector. Theareamain reason was that increasing
thickness
the of theofperfobond
thickness of the
perfobond
perfobond
rib increased
rib increased
rib the the
increased
cross-sectional
cross-sectional area
cross-sectional ofofof
area thethe
the
steel stem,
steel
steel stem,
stem,
which
which
which
resulted
resulted
resulted in
in greater shear capacity of the notched perfobond shear connector.
greater shear shear
in greater capacity of the
capacity ofnotched
the notchedperfobond
perfobond shear connector.
shear connector.
500 600
500 600
(kN)

400
(kN)

400
500
Load (kN)

capacity

300 tp=30mm 500

Load (kN)

capacity

300 t =30mm
tpp=25mm
200 t =25mm
tpp=20mm 400
Shear

200
400
Shear

t =20mm
100 tpp=16mm Test data
100 tp=16mm Test data
tp=12mm Trend line
tp=12mm Trend line
0 300
00 2
4 6 8 300 8 12 16 20 24 28 32
0 2
4 6 8 8 12 16 20 24 28 32
Slip (mm) Perfobond thickness tp (mm)
Slip (mm) Perfobond thickness tp (mm)
Materials 2019, 1, x FOR PEER REVIEW
(a) (b) 14 of 19
(a) (b)

(c)

FigureFigure 15. Effect

15. Effect of perfobond
of perfobond thickness.
thickness. (a) Load–slip
(a) Load–slip curves;
curves; (b)(b)influence
influenceanalysis;
analysis; (c)
(c) failure
failuremode.
mode.

5.6. Effect of Concrete Strength

Figure 16 shows the effect of the concrete strength on the load–slip behavior of notched
perfobond shear connector. When the concrete strength was increased from 30 MPa to 40 MPa, 50
MPa, 60 MPa and 70 MPa, the shear capacity increased by 20%, 29%, 36% and 43%, respectively. This
indicated that the increase of the concrete strength would lead to increase in the shear capacity of the
notched perfobond shear connector. The reason might be that when higher strength concrete was
used, a smaller region of the damaged concrete below the concrete dowel was observed in the
 (c)
Materials 2019, 12, 341 15 of 20
Figure 15. Effect of perfobond thickness. (a) Load–slip curves; (b) influence analysis; (c) failure mode.

5.6. Effect
5.6. Effect of
of Concrete
Concrete Strength
Strength
Figure 16
Figure 16shows
showsthetheeffect of the
effect of concrete strength
the concrete on the load–slip
strength on the loadbehavior of notchedofperfobond
–slip behavior notched
shear connector. When the concrete strength was increased from 30 MPa to 40
perfobond shear connector. When the concrete strength was increased from 30 MPa to 40 MPa, MPa, 50 MPa, 60 MPa 50
and 70
MPa, 60MPa,
MPa the
andshear
70 MPa,capacity increased
the shear capacitybyincreased
20%, 29%, by36%
20%,and
29%, 43%,
36%respectively. This indicated
and 43%, respectively. This
that the increase
indicated that theofincrease
the concrete
of thestrength
concretewould
strengthlead to increase
would lead to in the shear
increase capacity
in the of the notched
shear capacity of the
perfobond shear connector. The reason might be that when higher strength
notched perfobond shear connector. The reason might be that when higher strength concrete concrete was used, wasa
smallera region
used, of region
smaller the damaged
of theconcrete
damaged below the concrete
concrete below dowel was observed
the concrete dowel in theobserved
was analyzed failure
in the
modes. As a result, the steel stem of the notched perfobond shear connector could
analyzed failure modes. As a result, the steel stem of the notched perfobond shear connector could reach full shear
strength before the shear failure of the concrete dowel in the hole.
reach full shear strength before the shear failure of the concrete dowel in the hole.

500 550

Shear capacity (kN)

400 500
Load (kN)

300 450
fcu=70MPa
200 fcu=60MPa 400
fcu=50MPa
100 350 Test data
fcu=40MPa
Trend line
fcu=30MPa 300
0
0 2 4 6 8 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Slip (mm) Concrete strength fcu (MPa)
(a) (b)

(c)
Figure
Figure 16.
16. Effect
Effect of
of concrete
concrete strength:
strength: (a)
(a) load–slip
load–slip curves;
curves; (b)
(b) influence
influence analysis; (c) failure
analysis; (c) failure mode.
mode.

5.7. Effect
5.7. Effect of
of Rebar
Rebar Diameter
Diameter
Figure 17
Figure 17shows
showsthethe
effect of the
effect of rebar diameter
the rebar on the on
diameter load–slip behavior
the load of the notched
–slip behavior perfobond
of the notched
perfobond shear connector. When the rebar diameter was increased from 16 mm to 18 mm,mm
shear connector. When the rebar diameter was increased from 16 mm to 18 mm, 20 mm, 22 and
20 mm,
25 mm
22 mm,andthe 25
shear
mm,capacity
the shearincreased
capacity by 2%, 2%,by6%
increased 2%,and
2%,7%,
6%respectively. This indicated
and 7%, respectively. that the
This indicated
increase of the rebar diameter would lead to increase in the shear capacity of the notched
that the increase of the rebar diameter would lead to increase in the shear capacity of the notched perfobond
shear connector.
perfobond When a larger
shear connector. Whenrebar was rebar
a larger used,was
a larger
used,region of region
a larger the concrete
of the near the concrete
concrete near the
dowel was
concrete involved
dowel in resisting
was involved the shearthe
in resisting load, and
shear lessand
load, bending deformation
less bending was observed
deformation for the
was observed
perforating rebar in the hole.
for the perforating rebar in the hole.
Materials 2019, 12, 341 16 of 20
Materials 2019,
Materials 2019, 1,
1, xx FOR
FOR PEER
PEER REVIEW
REVIEW 15 of 19
15 of 19

500
500 500
500

(kN)
400

capacity(kN)
400 480
480
(kN)
Load(kN) 300

Shearcapacity
300 ddrr=25mm
=25mm
460
460
ddrr=22mm
=22mm
Load

200
200
ddrr=20mm
=20mm

Shear
440
440 Test data
data
100
100 ddrr=18mm
=18mm Test
d =16mm Trend line
Trend line
d =16mm
r
r
420
00 0 42014 16 18 20 22 24 26
0 22 44 66 88 14 16 18 20 22 24 26
Slip (mm)
(mm) Rebar diameter
Rebar diameter ddr (mm)
(mm)
Slip r
(a)
(a) (b)
(b)

(c)
(c)
Figure 17. Effect
Figure Effect of rebar
rebar diameter: (a)
(a) load–slip curves;
curves; (b) influence
influence analysis; (c)
(c) failure
failure mode.
mode.
Figure 17.
17. Effect of
of rebar diameter:
diameter: (a) load–slip
load–slip curves; (b)
(b) influence analysis;
analysis; (c) failure mode.

5.8. Effect
5.8. Effect of
of Rebar
Rebar Strength
Strength
Figure 18
Figure 18shows
18 shows
shows the
thethe effect
effect of rebar
of the
effect of the rebar
the rebar strength
strength on the on
strength on the
the load
load–slipload slip behavior
––slip
behavior behavior of the
of the notched
of the notched
perfobond
notched
perfobond
shear
perfobond shear When
connector.
shear connector.
connector. When
the yield
When the yield
strength
the yield strength
of the of
rebarof
strength wastheincreased
the rebar was
rebar was increased
from 335 MPa
increased from 335 MPa
to 400
from 335 MPaand
MPa to 400
to 400
to
MPa
500 and
MPa, to
the500 MPa,
shear the shear
capacity capacity
increased byincreased
1% and by 1%
3%, and 3%, respectively.
respectively. This This
indicated
MPa and to 500 MPa, the shear capacity increased by 1% and 3%, respectively. This indicated that the indicated
that the that the
increase
increase
of of the
the rebar
increase of the rebar strength
strength
rebar strength
would lead would
would lead to
to increase
lead to increase
increase in the
in the shear
in thecapacity
shear capacity
shear capacity of the
the notched
of the notched
of notched perfobond
perfobond shear
perfobond
shear connector.
shear connector.
connector. The main The reason
The main reason
main reason
was thatwaswhen
was that when
that when aa higher
a higher higher
strengthstrength rebarused
rebar rebar
strength was wasin
was used in
the in
used thethe
hole,
the hole, the
shear
hole, the
shear resistance
resistance of the of the
rebar rebar
and and
that of that
the of the
concrete concrete
dowel dowel
were were
both
shear resistance of the rebar and that of the concrete dowel were both increased. both increased.
increased.

500
500 460
460
(kN)

400
capacity(kN)

400
455
(kN)

455
Load(kN)

300
Shearcapacity

300
Load

200
200 ffryry=500MPa
=500MPa 450
450
Shear

100
100 ffryry=400MPa
=400MPa Test data
Test data
ffry=335MPa
ry
=335MPa Trend line
Trend line
445
00 445
300 350 400 450 500 550
00 22 44 66 88 300 350 400 450 500 550
Slip (mm)
(mm) Rebar strength
Rebar strength ffry (MPa)
(MPa)
Slip ry
(a)
(a) (b)
(b)

(c)
(c)
Figure 18.
Figure Effect of
18. Effect rebar strength:
of rebar strength: (a)
(a) load–slip
load–slip curves;
curves; (b)
(b) influence analysis; (c)
influence analysis;
analysis; (c) failure
(c) failure mode.
failure mode.
mode.
Materials 2019, 12, 341 17 of 20
Materials 2019, 1, x FOR PEER REVIEW 16 of 19

5.9. Effect
5.9. Effect of
of Steel
Steel Strength
Strength
As shown in
As in Figure
Figure19,
19,when
whenthetheyield
yieldstrength of of
strength thethe
perfobond
perfobondrib was increased
rib was fromfrom
increased 235 MPa
235
to 345 MPa, 390 MPa, 420 MPa and 460 MPa, the shear capacity increased by 20%,
MPa to 345 MPa, 390 MPa, 420 MPa and 460 MPa, the shear capacity increased by 20%, 28%, 32% and 28%, 32% and 37%,
respectively.
37%, This indicated
respectively. that the
This indicated thatincrease of theof
the increase steel
the strength wouldwould
steel strength lead tolead
greatto increase in the
great increase
shear
in the capacity of the notched
shear capacity perfobond
of the notched shear connector.
perfobond The reason
shear connector. Thewas thatwas
reason when higher
that whenstrength
higher
steel wassteel
strength usedwas
for the
usedperfobond rib, the shear
for the perfobond strength
rib, the shearof the steel
strength ofstem above
the steel the above
stem hole wastheincreased,
hole was
which resulted
increased, which inresulted
greater shear capacity
in greater shearofcapacity
the notched perfobond
of the shear connector.
notched perfobond shear connector.

500 500

Shear capacity (kN)

400
450
Load (kN)

300 fsy=460MPa
400
fsy=420MPa
200
fsy=390MPa
350 Test data
100 fsy=345MPa
fsy=235MPa Trend line
0 300
0 2 4 6 8 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
Slip (mm) Steel strength fsy (MPa)
(a) (b)

(c)
Figure 19.
Figure Effect of
19. Effect of steel
steel strength:
strength: (a)
(a) load–slip
load–slip curves;
curves; (b)
(b) influence
influence analysis;
analysis; (c)
(c) failure
failure mode.

6. Prediction
6. Prediction of
of Shear
Shear Capacity
Capacity

6.1. Previous Expressions

6.1. Previous Expressions
In this study, bonding between steel and concrete was eliminated by greasing the steel surface, and
In this study, bonding between steel and concrete was eliminated by greasing the steel surface,
the concrete-end bearing stress below the perfobond rib was prevented by installing Styrofoam. The
and the concrete-end bearing stress below the perfobond rib was prevented by installing Styrofoam.
shear capacity equations having similar conditions were chosen to evaluate the push-out test results.
The shear capacity equations having similar conditions were chosen to evaluate the push-out test
Based on push-out test results, Leonhardt et al. [13] proposed Equation (5) to calculate the shear
results.
capacity of conventional perfobond shear connectors without considering the contribution of the rebar
Based on push-out test results, Leonhardt et al. [13] proposed Equation (5) to calculate the shear
in the hole.
capacity of conventional perfobond shear connectors2 without considering the contribution of the
Vpu = 1.4d p f cu (5)
rebar in the hole.
where Vpu is the shear capacity per hole (N); dp is the2 hole diameter (mm); fcu is the concrete cube
Vpu = 1.4d p fcu (5)
strength (MPa).
where Hosaka et al.shear
Vpu is the [15] suggested Equation
capacity per (6) dto
hole (N); predict
p is the diameter
the hole shear capacity
(mm);per
fcu hole
is theofconcrete
conventional
cube
perfobond
strength shear connectors. Two different formulas were adopted to consider the influence of the
(MPa).
perforating
Hosakarebar.
et al. [15] suggested Equation (6) to predict the shear capacity per hole of conventional
perfobond shear connectors. Two
p different formulas were adopted to consider the influence of the
2 f − 39.0 × 103
(
perforating rebar. 3.38 t p /d p · d p c no rebar in hole
Vpu = h
2 2

2
i
3 (6)
1.45 d p − dr f c + dr f ru − 26.1 × 10 rebar in hole
3.38 t p d p  d p2 f c − 39.0  103 no rebar in hole

V pu = (6)
1.45 ( d p2 − d r2 ) f c + d r2 f ru  − 26.1 103 rebar in hole

Materials 2019, 12, 341 18 of 20
Materials 2019, 1, x FOR PEER REVIEW 17 of 19

wherettppisisthe
where thethickness
thicknessofofthe
theperfobond rib;ffccisisthe
perfobondrib; theconcrete
concretecompressive
compressivestrength (MPa);ddrrisisthe
strength(MPa); the
diameterof
diameter ofthe
therebar
rebarin
inthe
thehole
hole(mm); andffruruisisthe
(mm);and theultimate
ultimatetensile
tensilestrength
strengthof
ofrebar
rebar(MPa).
(MPa).

6.2.Proposed
6.2. ProposedExpression
Expression
Basedon
Based onthe
theexperimental
experimentaland andnumerical
numericalresults,
results,the
thenotched
notchedperfobond
perfobondshear
shearconnector
connectorfailed
failed
due to shear of the concrete dowel, shear of the perforating rebar and yield of the steel
due to shear of the concrete dowel, shear of the perforating rebar and yield of the steel stem. It wasstem. It was
revealed by
revealed by the
theparametric
parametricstudy
study that thethe
that contribution of the
contribution ofsteel
the stem
steel was
stemrelated to the hole
was related diameter,
to the hole
the perfobond thickness and the strength of steel. Therefore, an alternative equation,
diameter, the perfobond thickness and the strength of steel. Therefore, an alternative equation, Equation (7),
was proposed
Equation forproposed
(7), was evaluatingforthe shear capacity
evaluating per capacity
the shear hole of the
pernotched
hole of perfobond
the notchedshear connector
perfobond shearby
combining these contributions.
connector by combining these contributions.

 ne eC1C1d(2d p2−−dd2r2 ) ffcc +

=puγ=n γ +CC22ddr 2r ffryry++ t ppftsyp f sy
h   2
i
Vpu V p r
C3C
d3pd (7)
(7)

where
where V Vpupuisis the
the shear capacityper
shear capacity perholehole(N);
(N);d dis p is the hole diameter (mm); dr is the diameter of the
the hole diameter (mm); dr is the diameter of the rebar
p
rebar in the hole (mm); fc is the concrete compressive strength (MPa); fry is the yield strength of rebar
in the hole (mm); fc is the concrete compressive strength (MPa); fry is the yield strength of rebar (MPa);
(MPa);
tp is thetpperfobond
is the perfobond
thickness thickness
(mm); fsy(mm);is the fyield
sy is the yield strength of steel (MPa); γn and γe are
strength of steel (MPa); γn and γe are coefficients
coefficients considering the effects of the
considering the effects of the hole number and the hole hole number and the holerespectively;
distance, distance, respectively;
and C1 , C2 and
and CC13, are
C2
and C3 are fitting coefficients.
fitting coefficients.
Nonlinear
Nonlinearregression
regressionanalysis
analysiswas wasconducted
conducted on onaatotal
totalof of46
46experimental
experimentaland andnumerical
numericalresults;
results;
the best fitting of the coefficients in Equation (7) were derived as C1 = 0.42, C2 = 1.15, and C3 = 0.45.
the best fitting of the coefficients in Equation (7) were derived as C1 = 0.42, C2 = 1.15, and C3 = 0.45.
Therefore, the final proposal for estimating the shear capacity of notched perfobond shear connector
Therefore, the final proposal for estimating the shear capacity of notched perfobond shear connector
could be given as Equation (8).
could be given as Equation (8).
 ( d p2 − dr2) fc + 1.15dr2 f ry + 0.45d p t p f sy  i
Vpu =  nhe 0.42
Vpu = γn γe 0.42 d2p − d2r f c + 1.15d2r f ry + 0.45d p t p fsy (8)
with  n =−n0.22
−0.22
;  e = 1 + 0.002 ( e p − 200 )  1
(8)
with γn = n p p
; γe = 1 + 0.002 e p − 200 ≤ 1

6.3.Comparison
6.3. Comparisonand
andValidation
Validation
The calculated
The calculated shear
shear capacities
capacities from
from Equation
Equation (8) (8) were
were compared
compared to to the
the experimental
experimental and and
numerical results. As shown in Figure 20, the equations suggested
numerical results. As shown in Figure 20, the equations suggested by Leonhardt et al. [13] by Leonhardt et al. [13]
underestimated the shear capacity of perfobond shear connectors by not considering
underestimated the shear capacity of perfobond shear connectors by not considering the effect of the the effect of the
perforatingrebar
perforating rebarand
andthethesteel
steelstem
stemin inEquation
Equation(5).
(5).The
Theequation
equationof ofHosaka
Hosakaetetal.al.[15]
[15]overestimated
overestimated
the shear capacity of notched perfobond shear connectors. The possible
the shear capacity of notched perfobond shear connectors. The possible reason was that the reason was that thetensile
tensile
strengthffruruwas
strength wasused
usedininEquation
Equation (6)(6) to
to calculate
calculate the
the contribution
contributionof ofrebar
rebarininthe
thehole,
hole,while
whileyielding
yieldingof
the rebar was observed at specimen failure instead of fracture. The predicted shear
of the rebar was observed at specimen failure instead of fracture. The predicted shear capacities from capacities from
theproposal
the proposalin inthis
thisstudy
studyagreed
agreedreasonably
reasonablywellwellwith
withthetheresults
resultsfrom
frompush-out
push-outtests
testsand
andparametric
parametric
studies. Therefore,
studies. Therefore, Equation
Equation (8)(8)could
couldbebeused
usedtoto
predict
predict thethe
shear capacity
shear of notched
capacity perfobond
of notched shear
perfobond
connectors in steel and concrete composite structures.
shear connectors in steel and concrete composite structures.

800 800 800

Predicted shear capacity (kN)

Predicted shear capacity (kN)

Predicted shear capacity (kN)

600 600 600

400 400 400

200 200 200

0 0 0
0 200 400 600 800 0 200 400 600 800 0 200 400 600 800
Shear capacity from tests and analysis (kN) Shear capacity from tests and analysis (kN) Shear capacity from tests and analysis (kN)
(a) (b) (c)
Figure
Figure20.
20.Comparison
Comparisonofofshear
shearcapacity
capacityequations:
equations:(a)
(a)Leonhardt
Leonhardtetetal.;
al.;(b)
(b)Hosaka
Hosakaetetal.;
al.;(c)
(c)proposal.
proposal.
Materials 2019, 12, 341 19 of 20

7. Conclusions
In this paper, a new type of notched perfobond shear connector was proposed to ease the
installation of perforating rebar through the holes. Based on experimental investigation, parametric
analysis and analytical work, the following conclusions can be drawn:

(1) The push-out failure modes of perfobond shear connectors with circular and notched holes are
characterized by crack in the concrete slab, yield of the perforating rebar and shear failure of
the concrete dowel. The concrete crack initially occurs near the perfobond shear connectors and
spreads out across the concrete slab. The rebar in the hole yields at the locations of perforation
due to large deformations. The concrete dowels in the hole fails in shear. There is no obvious
deformation in the conventional perfobond rib. In comparison, the notched perfobond rib
deforms with the cut width increased.
(2) The accuracy of the proposed finite element method is verified by comparison with push-out
test results. When the global mesh sizes were 10 mm, 15 mm and 20 mm, the analyzed shear
capacities of conventional perfobond shear connectors accounted for 101%, 111% and 117% of the
mean test results, respectively, while those of notched perfobond shear connectors took up 97%,
102% and 105% of the mean tested shear capacities. The proposed finite element model can be
used to generate reasonable analysis results for both conventional and notched perfobond shear
connectors with the overall element size of 10 mm.
(3) In total, 43 finite element models of push-out tests were generated to evaluate the shear capacity of
notched perfobond shear connectors. The shear capacity could be increased by 38% by increasing
the perfobond thickness from 12 mm to 30 mm, by 43% by increasing the concrete strength from
30 MPa to 70 MPa, by 37% by increasing the steel strength from 235 MPa to 460 MPa. The hole
diameter, the cut width, the rebar diameter and the rebar strength have little effect on the shear
capacity of notched perfobond shear connectors.
(4) Based on nonlinear finite element simulations of notched perfobond shear connectors, increasing
the hole distance from 100 mm to 300 mm leads to an increase in the average shear capacity by
30%. The reason might be that narrower hole distances result in smaller steel stems between
the holes which easily get fractured before the shear failure of the concrete dowel. The hole
distance is suggested to be no smaller than 200 mm to prevent the steel fracture between the
adjacent holes.
(5) The increase of the hole number from one to five leads to a decrease in the average shear capacity
of the notched perfobond shear connector by 41%. The main reason is that the shear loads are
unevenly distributed among the multi-holes in the longitudinal direction. The holes at two ends
of the perfobond rib bear greater loads than the holes at the middle. The average shear capacity of
the multi-hole notched perfobond shear connector is smaller than that of the single-hole notched
perfobond shear connector.
(6) An analytical model is proposed to evaluate the shear capacity per hole of notched perfobond
shear connectors. Compared with the existing equations, the predicted shear capacities from the
proposal in this study agree reasonably well with the experimental and numerical results, and
thus may be used to estimate the shear capacity of notched perfobond shear connectors. Further
experimental studies are required to extend the scope of the proposed shear capacity equation in
steel and concrete composite structures.

Author Contributions: Y.L. (Yuqing Liu) proposed the topic of this study; S.Z. designed the process and wrote
the paper; C.Z. designed the experiments; Y.L. (Yangqing Liu) performed the finite element analysis.
Funding: The research described in this paper was financially supported by Grants from Natural Science
Foundation of China (51808235), Fujian Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (2018J05083), and
Huaqiao University Scientific Research Funding (16BS804).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Materials 2019, 12, 341 20 of 20

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