Modified Push-out Tests for Determining Shear Strength and Stiffness of HSS Stud Connector-Experimental Study

This paper presents, modified push-out tests conducted for the determination of shear strength and stiffness of high strength steel (HSS) studs. The HSS studs having ultimate strength of 900 MPa and yield strength of 680 MPa are used in the modified push-out specimens. The reinforced concrete slabs of pushout specimens which have provided dimensions as recommended by BS5440 part-v, but with enhanced transverse reinforcement for higher splitting strength. Enhancement of splitting strength is considered due to confinement of the concrete with hoop type transverse reinforcement at smaller spacing. Mander’s model is considered to estimate the enhancement in the splitting strength due to increase in the confined compressive strength of concrete. Novelty of this study may be considered in highlighting the importance of confined concrete strength while designing pushout specimens. Experimental value of shear strength of HSS studs is found to fall in between the extreme bounds specified by the Eurocode 4 formulae. Further improvements are possible by the addition of steel fibres concrete in the vicinity of HSS studs embedded in RC slab of push-out specimens.